Are you saying that you have a Word screen with the title in the title bar Normal.dotm? If you typed something in your screen and saved, it would show up in all your new documents?

To some extent, Word opens the normal template whenever it is open. A file lock will be placed on it and it is available for some editing through saving defaults or AutoText/AutoCorrect, however, it is not "open" in the ordinary sense.

Yes, an actual Word screen with the title "Normal.Dotm"

If I open Word directly, that's the only window that opens - in the title bar it actually says "Normal.dotm"

Appreciate the responses. JimP, I did try your suggestion but no luck.