I delete the normal.dot file, open Word and set it the way I want it.
Then I go to Tools, Options, the Save tab and put a checkmark in the 'Prompt to save Normal template' box and click OK to save the setting.
Then I close Word and answer No to save the document but Yes to save the template.
If all is well the next time I open Word, I go back and uncheck the 'Prompt to save Normal template' box, don't usually need to save again unless I want to change my preferred display, etc.