Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-19

How to Fix: WINWORD.EXE /Automation and Normal.dotm Error

Error with WINWORD.EXE /Automation and Normal.dotm, possible solution for different machine behavior.

Quick Answer: Check if the issue is related to a specific Word template or add-in configuration, try resetting the template or disabling the add-in on the problematic machine.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. ⚠️ Common Causes
  2. ✅ Best Solutions to Fix It
  3. 🎯 Final Words

The error 'The file is in use by another application or user. (C:\Users\mooret\AppdData\...\Normal.dotm)' occurs when using a third-party add-in to create multiple new Word files, causing issues with automation and normal.dotm.

This issue affects users who rely on the add-in for automation tasks in Microsoft Word, resulting in frustration and inconvenience. In this guide, we will explore possible root causes and provide solutions to resolve the error.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • One primary reason for this error is related to the way Windows handles file locking. When using automation with Word, it may not properly release file locks, leading to conflicts with other applications or users. This can be caused by various factors, including outdated or incompatible drivers, conflicting system settings, or issues with the add-in itself.
  • Another possible cause could be related to the way Windows 7 handles the 'Normal.dotm' file. The Normal.dotm file is a template used by Word, and its location may vary depending on the version of Word installed. If the add-in is not properly configured or if there are issues with the file's path, it can cause problems with automation and file locking.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Disable Automation in Word

  1. Step 1: Open Microsoft Word and go to the 'File' menu. Click on 'Options' and then select 'Trust Center'. In the Trust Center window, click on the 'Trusted Sources' tab and uncheck the box next to 'Enable all macros (including potentially dangerous ones)'. This will disable automation in Word.
  2. Step 2: Close any open documents or instances of Word. Then, restart Word by closing it completely and reopening it.
  3. Step 3: Try creating a new document using the add-in again. If the error persists, proceed with further troubleshooting steps.

Verify Normal.dotm File Path

  1. Step 1: On the machine experiencing issues, open Windows Explorer and navigate to the location where Word stores its templates (usually C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\Word\Normal.dotm). Ensure that this file is not locked by another application or user.
  2. Step 2: If the Normal.dotm file is locked, try deleting it and letting Word recreate it. This may resolve the issue with automation and file locking.
  3. Step 3: Repeat the steps on both machines to verify that the solution works consistently.

🎯 Final Words

To resolve the 'The file is in use by another application or user' error when using a third-party add-in for automation in Microsoft Word, try disabling automation in Word or verifying the Normal.dotm file path. If the issue persists, further troubleshooting may be necessary.

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