Template Issues

How to Stop the Select Calendar Dates Pop-Up in Word Templates

Anum Mushtaq Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to stop the 'Select Calendar Dates' dialog from repeatedly appearing whenever an existing calendar document is opened.

How to Stop the Select Calendar Dates Pop-Up in Word Templates

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening an existing calendar document that was generated from a Word macro-enabled template or contains content controls.
Observed behavior: A date-selection dialog box repeatedly pops up every time the user opens an already saved calendar document, interrupting access to the file.

Before you start

Before modifying macro codes or content controls, create a backup copy of your Word calendar template to prevent any accidental data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove the Document_Open Macro in the VBA Editor

Use this solution to stop the macro from running every time the document is opened, while keeping the essential new document macro intact.

Many calendar templates use macros to trigger the date-selection form. While the 'Document_New' macro correctly displays it for new files, a 'Document_Open' macro incorrectly triggers it for existing, saved files.

Open the VBA Editor

Press the ALT + F11 keys on your keyboard while in Word to open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor window.

Locate the ThisDocument Module

In the Project Explorer pane on the left side, find your calendar template's project tree and double-click on 'ThisDocument'.

Delete the Document_Open Procedure

In the code window, find the procedure named 'Document_Open' and delete it entirely. Be careful to leave the 'Document_New' procedure intact so the calendar still works when creating fresh files.

Save and Distribute the Template

Save the changes to the template and close the VBA editor. If working in a team, distribute this modified template to other users so they no longer experience the pop-up.

Remove the Document_Open Macro in the VBA Editor

Macro Settings: Ensure you have macro editing enabled in your Word Trust Center settings to access and modify the VBA code.

Solution 2

Change the Date Picker Content Control Properties

If the issue is caused by a Date Picker content control instead of a macro, you can configure it to convert to plain text after use.

Solution 3

Copy the Calendar into a New Blank Document

A quick workaround is to copy the visual contents into a fresh document, stripping away the problematic background template macros.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the calendar pop-up appear every time I open my saved document?

The template likely contains a 'Document_Open' macro programmed to trigger the date-selection form whenever the file is opened. Alternatively, a persistent Date Picker content control may be stuck in an active state.

Will deleting the Document_Open macro break my calendar template entirely?

No. As long as you keep the 'Document_New' macro intact, the template will continue to ask for dates properly when generating a brand new calendar, but it will stop interrupting you when you open previously saved ones.

How do I show the Developer tab to edit Date Picker properties?

Right-click anywhere on the main ribbon at the top of the Word window, select 'Customize the Ribbon', and check the box next to 'Developer' in the right-hand column. Click OK to confirm.

Document & File Issues