Why has Office locked all files and some menu options?

[Martin McGrath]

I was working away happily on a Word file when I had to restart my computer
for reasons unrelated to Office. When the computer restarted I received the
message: "The modification is not allowed because the document is locked" on
every Word file I open - including brand new files. When the file starts up I
can type a few letters, then it locks up.

Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook are also operating with reduced functionality
- will let me open but not edit files.

I notice that the activate product prompt is appearing in Help menu - but
I'm certain I've previously activated Office on this machine and when I
select "Activate product" nothing happens.

I've already tried reinstalling to no avail.

Help?

 

[Martin McGrath]

I should add that it is Office 2003 on XP and deleting opa11.dat didn't help
either.

Cheers,