If you have the option to prompt to save Normal.dot checked, uncheck it. (I cannot tell by your post, as the wording is confusing "it is checked the put the question")

Also, do you have Administrator rights with your profile?

OK, next let's try renaming the normal.dot file. Start, Run, type

%userprofile%\application data\microsoft\templates

and click OK. Then rename the Normal.dot to Normal.bak. Restart Word. Fixed?

Tried, but the problem is still not fixed. Only result is a modest rearrangment of the toolbars

Giampaolo

Now the option to "prompt to save normal template" is checked.

I have now unchecked it, but behaviour is the same

I  have administrator rights

Waiting for any suggestion

Giampaolo

Tried again (indeed I had already deleted normal.dot), but not fixed.

Now my directory "C:\Documents and Settings\Paolo.FRUGONE.000\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates" does not even contain a new normal.dot but only the normal.bak

Giampaolo

Try deleting the Data key in the registry. Start, Run, type regedit and click OK Find and delete the follwoing key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Word\Data

Restart Word, see if the problem is fixed.

No, but again I can add or remove toolbars and still normal.dot is missing. I can modify the toolbars but only for the open session; modification are not saved.

By the way I tried with Excel, Power point , Access and Outlook and no problem to modify toolbars and save modifications

Giampaolo

In such a case, let me know writing to frugone1@tin.it I'll be more than happy to help you

Thanks again and bye

Giampaolo