Microsoft Word 97 Template Security Patch addresses a vulnerability that would allow malicious code to be run in a Word document without warning a user. Word 97 will warn users when opening a document that contains macros. However, if that document does not contain macros, but is linked to a template that does contain macros, no warning is issued. A hacker could exploit this vulnerability by causing malicious code to be run without warning when a user visits a Web site or opens an e-mail. This malicious code could be used to damage or retrieve data on a user's system. The Word 97 Template Security Patch prevents a hacker from exploiting this vulnerability. After installing the patch, users will be warned before they launch a template that contains a macro. Installing the patch will not disable the use of templates or macros on templates.