Word 2003 Startup Problems

[Jax]

When I start my windows 2003 I see a window pop up that says 'preparing to
install'. Then I get a message that says run setup and select repair. So I
went to control panel, add and remove programs and selected change under the
line titled Microsoft office. I then get a window pop up that says the
following: This patch package could not be opened. Verify that the package
exists and that you can access it, or contact the application vendor to
verify that the application package is valid...

I've also tried removing office entirely, and get error messages, and I've
also tried running set up from the original disk and can't get it to run
either.

Does anyone know what might be wrong and how I might fix the problem? I
seem to be stuck no matter what I try. Thanks for the help.

Jax

 

[Terry Farrell]

See the following FAQ for help diagnosing this problem.

http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/AppErrors/ProblemsStartingWord.htm

Terry Farrell - MSWord MVP

 

[Beth Melton]

What you need to do is obtain the Windows Installer Clean up utility. The
utility will enable you to zap the Office installation data the Windows
Installer uses. It will not remove Office 2003. When you run the utility,
remove only the reference to the Office installation then reinstall Office
to recreate the Office installation data.

For more information and a link to the download see this article:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beth Melton
Microsoft Office MVP
https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/Melton
What is a Microsoft MVP? http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/gp/mvpfaqs

Guides for the Office 2007 Interface:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/HA102295841033.aspx