Can't open an old document

[MJ]

I recently updated my old computer and put XP Home Edition
on my computer. Since then, I have been unable to open
some, not all, of documents. When I try to open one of
them, I get a message that says I need to install the
converter... so I put in my CD, install the converter, and
then get a seven page document of nothing but "squares"
or "boxes". Any ideas on how I can save the information
or open it into a readable document? Any help would be
greatly appreciated. Oh, and I'm using MSOffice/Word
2000 - the same program I had on my old computer.
Thanks!!!!