I never saw this before but it seems to be real.
Using Word 2003, I have templates on our company Server. The templates
contain customizations such as macros, toolbars and autotext. When opened by
our foreign branches with VPN links to our server, the docs made from the
template open slowly. When the VPN is off, they open normally, using a local
offline copy of the template. However, here is the kicker: When opened by
clients with no access to the template, the document does not open or causes
problems. Why? This semms a normal enough scenario. I can replace the
template path with "Normal,"  before sending it to customers, but what if
someone forgets?
Is this a bug or a feature?

Thanks in advance,

Israel Dalven