Open DOT files

  • Full name
    Microsoft Word 97 To 2003 Document Template Format
  • Developer
    Microsoft
  • Popularity
Have you encountered a problem with a DOT file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a DOT file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your DOT file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is DOT file?

Files with the extension DOT contain a document template, ie a template for Microsoft Word documents. These files contain various formatting information, such as margins, the header and footer, and fonts and sizes. They can be used to create multiple documents with the extension doc, all using the same style. This is useful for business letters, etc., for example.

More info

Microsoft supplies with Word some templates, but many templates are also available for free or for sale.

The DOT files are used by the version 97 to 2003 of Microsoft Word. The newer versions as of 2007 use the dotx extension for their template files.

Word uses a file labeled Normal.Dot as a common template. This file has often led to serious problems. If the file is damaged by, for example, file system errors, Word may crash continuously, no longer save documents or show similar fatal errors. Usually it helps to move or delete the Normal.Dot. This file can be hidden by Windows.

Programs which can open a DOT file

How to open file with DOT extension?

In order to open a file with DOT extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening DOT file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with DOT files, follow the instructions below.
1
Install Microsoft Word or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening DOT files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support DOT files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of DOT files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set Microsoft Word as the default program for opening DOT files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate DOT files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the Microsoft Word applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Microsoft Word has been installed.

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Check the section that lists most common problems with DOT files

Sometimes problems with opening DOT files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

  • File data is corrupted
  • DOT files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
  • Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open DOT files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
  • DOT file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)

Possible conversions of DOT file

Similar extensions