Changing the File Default Save Location in Microsoft Office

The best method to ensure your data files and documents are backed up is to save them to the network fileservers.  Files saved to the fileservers are backed up nightly and can typically be retrieved even if you accidently delete one or more of them.  To make it easy to save your files to the fileservers, you can set the default file save location in all the various Microsoft Office programs as seen below:

Office 2003

In Word 2003 to change the default location of where files are automatically stored, click on Tools> Options>File Locations tab.

1.      In the File Location window, click on Documents, and then click on the Modify button.

2.      When the Modify Location window opens, navigate to My Computer, and then click to navigate to where your network files are located.

3.      Navigate to and click on your personal network folder.

4.      When the folder is identified and open, click on the Modify Location OK button.

5.      Notice that the file location now indicates your network folder.

6.      Click on OK in the Options Window.  Files will automatically be saved to this new location.

In Excel 2003, change the default location of where files are automatically stored, click on Tools> Options>General tab.

(If necessary use steps 2 & 3 in the Word example to navigate to your network folder).

In the Default file location type or copy and paste the location of your network folder.

Click  OK in the Option window. Files will automatically be saved to this new location.

In PowerPoint 2003 to change the default location of where files are automatically stored, click on Tools>Options>Save tab.

(If necessary use steps 2 & 3 in Word 2003 to navigate to your network folder).

In the Default file location type or copy and paste the location of your network folder.

Click OK in the Options Window.  Files will automatically be saved to this new location.

Office 2007

In Word 2007 to change the default location of where files are automatically stored, click on the Office button, then click on the Word Options button at the bottom right.

In the Word Options, click on Save and the Save Window will open. In the Default File location click on Browse and find the new default file location. (look for your network folder)

When the network folder is identified, click OK.

In Excel 2007

In Excel 2007 to change the default location of where files are automatically stored, click on the Office button, then click on the Excel Options button at the bottom right.

In the Excel Options, click on Save and the Save Window will open. In the Default File location click on Browse and find the new default file location. (look for your network folder)

When the network folder is identified, click OK.

PowerPoint 2007

In PowerPoint 2007 to change the default location of where files are automatically stored, click on the Office button, then click on the PowerPoint Options button at the bottom right.

In the PowerPoint Options, click on Save and the Save Window will open.   Although the window looks slightly different (no browse button), in the Default File location add the  new default file location. (look for your network folder). 

If necessary, Explore My Computer to find the right file path.

When the network folder is identified, click OK.