Computer newbies forum: Microsoft Word 2003 Will Not Open

Hi Grif,
Thanks for your recommendation. Unfortunately, it did not work. When I did the search, a normal.dot file was not found.

Several other online answers basically said the same thing. One also said that Windows XP treats normal.dot as a hidden system file and the file might not show up when I search.

I clicked on My Computer --> Tools --> Folder Options --> View Tab. I checked the box for "Show hidden files and folders", and then removed the checks for the "Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating system files" boxes. (Information from online).

I did this, but a search still did not show any normal.dot files.

Whenever I reboot my system, Word still will not work. On the first attempt of trying to open Word, it seems like it will open (the hourglass remains there). Most often the hourglass just goes away and nothing happens.

Any other things I can try? Thanks again.

Bob,
Thanks for the information. I briefly checked out OpenOffice.org and it's interesting. I'll look at it again after I solve my current Word problem.

Regards,
Jordan

In order for "Search" to find it, I click on Start-Search-All Files and Folders, type in "normal.dot" (without the quotes) in the "All or part of the file name" section, then click on the "More Advanced Options" arrow below, then select "Search System folders", "Search hidden files and folders" and "Search Subfolders".

Hope this helps.

Grif

Normally search might have troubles with finding it.

Normal.dot is in the following folder.

Note: Before trying to find it, make sure you can view hidden files.

My Computer > Local Disk (C:) > Documents and Settings > (Your User) > Application Data > Microsoft > Templates

Make sure Word is closed before you delete Normal.dot.

Open word, a new Normal.dot should be created and your problem 'should' be resolved.

If however this problem still occurs, attempt to uninstall Word but instead of unintalling you need to click repair.

Thanks,

Mad.

And have you install the most recent Service Pack 3 from the Office Updates site? Here's a link to the full standalone installer of SP3 is you want it..

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=E25B7049-3E13-433B-B9D2-5E3C1132F206&displaylang=en

If you've done all that, then do a complete uninstall, then use the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility to remove any remnants of Office.. After that, reinstall Office 2003, then install the most recent service packs and updates from Office Updates. (Click on the link below, then click on the small "Office Update" link in the upper left side of the page.. You'll be taken to a page which requires you to download some ActiveX scanners, much like the Windows Updates site, then click on Continue a few times so the program can scan your computer and offer you the required updates.:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/downloads/default.aspx

And by the way, maybe you made a "typo" but the file you're supposed to be looking for is NOT "normal.com" as you wrote in your post above...but instead "normal.dot"..

Hope this helps.

Grif

helpppp! these posted exchanges fit my problem also. I tried installing the updates and it said it was for XP. installation failed. I'm now in the process of installing the alternate "back up" mentioned here in the comments. (openOffice) We do have the original disk for M S WORD STUDENT edit. Also I tried the answer instruction for going the normal.dot step. Mad's reply here gave steps that lead to MY COMP. and went to document settings. when I clicked there I got an error message >>>>> Documents settings is not accessible. access denied. so I can'nt try that as a method to correct this problem. Word doesn't open so any attempt to open a document won'nt open. The error message I get when first discovered was >>>>> Microsoft Word is trying to recover information. MS word has stopped working. Word was working earlier in the day. (morning) thanks much for help. imgrateful_1 always.

I agree with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your future updates from next one. Just saying thanks will not just be enough, for the fantastic clarity in you guys answer.