Modify the default template for ArcMap

Summary

The Normal.mxt template can be changed to a customized version that ArcGIS will open when starting ArcMap.

Procedure

1. Create a shortcut for ArcMap on the Desktop.
2. Right click the shortcut and go to Properties.
3. Click the Shortcut tab. In there the target should read something like this: C:\arcgis\arcexe82\Bin\ArcMap.exe
4. Add the path to your template; it should look like this:
   C:\arcgis\arcexe82\Bin\ArcMap.exe C:\<Path_to_template>\<template_name>.mxt
   
   For example:
   To use the template "c:\arcgis\arcexe82\bin\templates\usa\usa.mxt" everytime Arcmap is started, the Target should be:
   C:\arcgis\arcexe82\Bin\ArcMap.exe c:\arcgis\arcexe82\bin\templates\usa\usa.mxt