Thanks for getting back so soon, Cheryl.
Okay, the first problem is the fact that Word doesn't always create a new normal.dot file if I delete or rename the normal.dot file. Or, if it does, I have no idea where it's putting it, because it's certainly not in the location I have chosen through Word (Tools | Options). I've had "opened" the Documents and Settings directory through Administrative privileges, but that's doesn't help, either. The file is just not there, either (c:\Docs&Sets\ApplicationData\MS\Templates). And, if I run a Search in Windows, even telling it to locate files that are not indexed, and to show hidden files, it won't find the newly created normal.dot file. I feel like Glenda from Oz: "Come out, come out, wherever you are."
The changes I make most often are macros (Alt-letter combos) and AutoText entries (adding/deleting). The changes are there the moment I create them and during the currect session, but even with the option checked to Prompt for saving the normal.dot file (which is checked), when I exit Word I'm not prompted to save the changes and when I open Word again the changes I made in the prior session are gone.
Hope that explains things better.