Press F1 to open the Help window. Click on Online Content Settings. In the
Service Options dialog, clear the check box for "Show template help
automatically when available."
If you're referring to the Getting Started or New Document task pane, on the
View tab of Tools | Options, clear the check box for "Startup Task Pane." If
clearing that doesn't help, see http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/Customization/ShowTaskPane.htm