.DOTM File Recovery

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .DOTM file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

DOTM File Recovery

What is a .DOTM file?

A DOTM file is a document template created by Microsoft Word, a word processing program. It contains the default layout, settings, and macros for a document. DOTM files are used to create a new .DOCM document with embedded macros.

What Are Common Causes of ".DOTM" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".DOTM" file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".DOTM" file while organizing or cleaning up their files.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Problems with the operating system, software crashes, or hardware failures can lead to the loss or corruption of ".DOTM" files.
  3. Virus or malware infection: Malicious software can infect and corrupt ".DOTM" files, making them inaccessible or unusable.
  4. Formatting or partitioning errors: Errors during the formatting or partitioning of a storage device can cause ".DOTM" files to be lost or become inaccessible.
  5. Power outages or system shutdowns: Unexpected power outages or improper system shutdowns can interrupt the saving or accessing of ".DOTM" files, leading to corruption or loss.
  6. File system errors: Errors in the file system can cause ".DOTM" files to become corrupted or lost.
  7. User error: Mistakenly renaming or moving the ".DOTM" file to a different location can make it difficult to locate or access.
  8. Storage media failure: Physical damage or failure of the storage media where the ".DOTM" files are stored can result in data loss.
  9. Network issues: Problems with network connectivity or interruptions during file transfers can cause ".DOTM" files to be lost or become corrupted.
  10. Software updates or compatibility issues: Updates to software applications or compatibility issues between different software versions can lead to ".DOTM" file corruption or loss.

How to recover lost ".DOTM" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".DOTM" file may be deleted.

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🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".DOTM" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".DOTM" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".DOTM" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software
  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".DOTM" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type
  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored
  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan
  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery
  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".DOTM" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document Template image file file?

Programs that open ".DOTM" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Microsoft Word 2019 Microsoft Word 2019
Apache OpenOffice Apache OpenOffice
Mac
Microsoft Word 2019 Microsoft Word 2019
Planamesa NeoOffice Planamesa NeoOffice
Apache OpenOffice Apache OpenOffice
Linux
Apache OpenOffice Apache OpenOffice

Additional Information

  • File type: Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document Template

  • File extension: .DOTM

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Page Layout Files

  • Format: Zip

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:39 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .DOTM files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • How can I create a ".DOTM backup" file in Microsoft Word?

    To create a ".DOTM backup" file in Microsoft Word, you can follow these steps:

    1. Open Microsoft Word and go to the "File" tab.
    2. Click on "Options" to open the Word Options window.
    3. In the Word Options window, select "Advanced" from the left-hand panel.
    4. Scroll down to the "Save" section.
    5. Under the "Save documents" section, check the box that says "Always create backup copy."
    6. Click "OK" to save the changes and close the Word Options window.

    From now on, every time you save a .DOTM file, Word will automatically create a backup copy with the ".DOTM backup" extension. The backup file will have the same name as the original file but with the additional ".DOTM backup" extension.

  • What is the purpose of a ".DOTM backup" file and how can it be used?

    A ".DOTM backup" file is a backup copy of a Microsoft Word template file that uses the .dotm file extension. The purpose of creating a backup file is to have a copy of the template in case the original file gets corrupted, damaged, or accidentally modified.

    The backup file can be used in the following ways:

    1. Recovery: If the original template file becomes unusable due to corruption or accidental changes, the backup file can be used to restore the template to its previous state.
    2. Comparison: The backup file can be used to compare with the original template file to identify any changes or modifications made. This can be helpful in case you want to revert back to the previous version or if you're troubleshooting issues.
    3. Template duplication: You can make a copy of the backup file and use it as a new template. This can be useful when you want to create a similar template based on the existing one without making any changes to the original file.

    To use a ".DOTM backup" file, you can simply rename the file extension from ".dotm.backup" to ".dotm" and open it using Microsoft Word. Alternatively, you can use the "Open" or "Import" option in Word to open the backup file directly.

  • Is it possible to restore a ".DOTM backup" file in case of accidental changes or loss of the original template?

    Yes, it is possible to restore a ".DOTM backup" file in case of accidental changes or loss of the original template. Here's how you can do it:

    1. Locate the ".DOTM backup" file on your computer. By default, Microsoft Word saves backup files in the same location as the original template file.
    2. Make a copy of the ".DOTM backup" file and place it in a safe location, such as a different folder or an external storage device.
    3. Rename the file extension from ".DOTM backup" to ".DOTM" to restore it as a template file.
    4. Open Microsoft Word and go to the "File" tab.
    5. Click on "Options" and then select "Add-Ins" from the left-hand menu.
    6. In the "Manage" drop-down menu at the bottom of the window, select "Templates" and click on the "Go" button.
    7. In the "Templates and Add-Ins" window, click on the "Attach" button.
    8. Locate and select the restored ".DOTM" template file, and then click on the "Open" button.
    9. The template will now be attached to your Word application, and you can use it as the original template.

    By following these steps, you can restore a ".DOTM backup" file and use it in case of accidental changes or loss of the original template.

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