To copy styles into a document from a template that you have just attached to the document, you MUST check the "Automatically update document styles" option.

Unchecking the option shouldn't trigger an error message, unless Word can't find the template for some reason. However, you can always attach the Normal template instead. It won't change the style definitions, as long as "Automatically update..." remains deselected.



An alternative approach, at any time when you want to reformat a document, would be the following: Create a new document based on your template. Bring in existing content via the Insert File dialog box. (To display the dialog box, click Insert > Object > Text from File.)

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional

I believe I figured out why I was receiving the error.

So, moving forward I believe these are the steps I should follow to ensure my formatting is not affected by another's Normal.dotx.

Create a new template. I add it to my document through the Template and Add-ins dialog box with Automatically update document styles checked. Then, I can find and apply my new styles. When done formatting, I uncheck the Automatically update document styles and I'm good to go.

Have I finally grasped this? (I truly appreciate your patience.)

That is a viable method. Another, perhaps simpler, method would be to use the Styles Organizer. I've gone so far as no have macros that do this for a particular set of styles. A Global StyleSheet in Microsoft Word?

Anoher option would be to use Quick Style Sets.

Both of those do not involve attaching a template (and detaching the current template). This probably only matters if your document is currently attached to a template other than the normal template and has resources in it like keyboard shortcuts, macros, or QAT modifications to which you want continued access.

So much more to consider

Right now, I think I'll stick with my template way, since you have me going in the right direction with it. But, I will certainly take time to digest these other options.

I'll need to update some of my documents. Then, have my testers take a look since the documents already look good to me.

Thanks again for all the help. Hopefully, this will be all that I need, for the moment