DOTM File Extension

What is DOTM file?

DOTM is a file extension commonly associated with Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document Template files. Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document Template format was developed by Microsoft. Files with DOTM extension may be used by programs distributed for Linux, Mac OS, Windows platform. Files with DOTM extension are categorized as Text Files files. The Text Files subset comprises 440 various file formats. Users are advised to use Microsoft Word software for managing DOTM files, although 7 other programs can also handle this type of file. Software named Microsoft Word was created by Microsoft Corporation. In order to find more detailed information on the software and DOTM files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support DOTM file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with DOTM files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. DOTM files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with DOTM extension?

Being unable to open files with DOTM extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with DOTM files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with DOTM files.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Word

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening DOTM files is that no program that can handle DOTM files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Word or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Office, Apache OpenOffice, Office 365) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support DOTM files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Microsoft Word website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft Word and update if needed

You still cannot access DOTM files although Microsoft Word is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Microsoft Word cannot handle files with DOTM may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft Word.

Step 3. Assign Microsoft Word to DOTM files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate DOTM files with latest version of Microsoft Word you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the DOTM file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Microsoft Word is installed, check the Always use this app to open DOTM files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with DOTM extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with DOTM extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the DOTM is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the DOTM file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The DOTM may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the DOTM is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the DOTM file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with DOTM extension is complete and error-free

If the DOTM file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the DOTM file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document Template file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft Word

If the systems has insufficient resources to open DOTM files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document Template files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the DOTM files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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