goto program files\Microsoft Office\Office 10 or 11 depending on version

then find winword.exe and right click create shortcut.

Edit the properties of the shortcut where it opens the path at the end add /a

if it then works follow this guide we use to set word back to factory defaults

Choose the Run option from the Start menu. This displays the Run dialog box.
In the Open box enter the name regedit.
Click on OK. This starts the Regedit program.
If you are using Word 97, select the HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Office/8.0/Word key.
If you are using Word 2000, select the HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Office/9.0/Word key.
If you are using Word 2002, select the HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Office/10.0/Word key.
Press the Delete key. You are asked if you want to really delete they key.
Click on Yes. The selected key is deleted.
Close the Registry Editor.
Restart Word. Word has been reset to default settings.

Try a service pack,

http://office.microsoft.com/en-gb/officeupdate/default.aspx

Hi, My dad's computer is playing up. Basicslly in MS office programs (word/excel etc) when you go file>open it freezes up. It also won't let you save. If you go into my documents and double click a file to open it that way it works fine and you can then save through whichever office program it opens in? :| Tried uninstalling and reinstalling office and it didn't help. Tried adaware and virus stuff and it all seems clear. Anyone have any ideas? Really don't want to format it if we can avoid it. Thanks