Opening non rhino file into an existing file

Opening or trying to merge a file other than an 3dm asks to save the existing file and opens a new rhino file but does not use my template. Can I change this or what is the best way to prevent this? Thanks Chris

Start a new file using the template you want and use the Import command to bing in the other file.

does the same thing,

just tried again this time didn’t do it…