AutoCAD FAQ

Drawing templates (.dwt files) can only be saved as the version in which they were created. It is not possible to save them to a lower version, as can be done with .dwg files.

To create a lower version template file from a higher version of AutoCad, the file needs to be saved as a .dwg file in the required version. Then close the drawing and manually change the file extension from .dwg to .dwt.

Templates should be saved to the AutoCad default folder for templates:
C:\Documents and Settings\"user log-in name"\Application Data\Autodesk\"specific AutoCAD version"\"version number"\"language"\Template

Refer to this FAQ for more information about default search folders:
Default Paths for Profile, Templates and Configuration Files

Refer to this FAQ for information on hidden file extensions:
How do I open a .BAK file?