How to Change the Default Location When Opening or Saving a File in Microsoft Word 2007

Microsoft Word 2007 sets the default File Location to "My Documents." What this means is that when you want to open or save a file, the directory is opened first to the "My Documents" location on your hard drive. If you prefer to store most of your Word documents in another location on your hard drive, this option is available. Here is how to change the default file location in Microsoft Word 2007.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A computer
• Microsoft Word 2007
• A preference for a file location other than "My Documents"

1. Click on the gold Office Button in the upper left hand corner. A menu window will pop up.
2. Choose the “Word Options” button at the very bottom of the menu. An “options” window will open.
3. Choose “Advanced” from the left side of the screen. This will take you to a list of advanced options.
4. Scroll down nearly to the bottom of the window to the “General” section and click on the “File Locations” button at the bottom of that section. A “File Locations” window will pop up.
5. Click on the “Modify” button just below the middle of the window. This will give you a directory of the files on your hard drive.
6. Navigate to the location you would like Word to default to when opening or saving a file and click "Ok."
7. Click on Ok to close the Advanced window.
8. Click on Ok to close the Options window.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to choose a location on your hard drive where you store MOST of your Word files to save time
• Be sure to click 'OK' in each of the Windows until you are out of Options mode or your changes may not be saved