Can't open Word 97...help

[Janet]

It worked and then an hour later it didn't. When I try to
open Word or a document, it flashes on the screen for a
micro-second then nothing.

Everything is in Word - books, reports, clients - can
somebody please help?
Thanks!
Janet

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

See http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/AppErrors/ProbsOpeningWord.htm

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
Word MVP FAQ site: http://www.mvps.org/word

 

[Janet]

Suzanne...

Thanks for your reply. I updated Acrobat but that didn't
help. The printer is working fine - would it still work if
there was a problem?

I went into Norton but can't disable it because the check
box is dimmed. I can disable it from the task bar
temporarily but that makes no difference.

I don't know enough about computers to do the other things
suggested. I'd screw something up. I'm in a real bind.

Would it help to reinstall it?
Janet

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

You don't want to disable all of Norton AntiVirus, just the Office Plug-in,
as follows:

1. Open Norton AntiVirus (right-click on the Taskbar icon and choose this
option).

2. Click on the Options button at the top of the dialog.

3. In the Options dialog, click on Miscellaneous (menu on the left)

4. Clear the check box for "Enable Office Plug-in."

5. OK out and close NAV.

But you have overlooked the most obvious steps: did you try starting Word
with the /a switch? rename Normal.dot? rebuild the Registry data key?
--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
Word MVP FAQ site: http://www.mvps.org/word

 

[Janet]

I have Office 97 and that option of disabling is only for
2000 and higher.

I did the /a switch and it worked but don't know what dot
files are.

"rebuild the Registry data key?" I don't have a clue how
to do that or even what it means.

You have been very patient. I don't have the money to pay
for a tech. I had to pay Netscape to fix my mail and they
didn't do it. Then I lost all of my mail and address book.
Now this and I desperately need to get into Word.

Janet