Here's some basics, but after this if you need further help, please tell us
your OS and version of Word. These problems can be a PITA to find, but here
are some starters.
With all applications closed (preferably after a reboot with no applications
open), the temp folder should be empty. Delete everything in your user temp
folder.
Make sure that your OS and version of Word are patched fully up to date.
Make sure that both your printer driver and graphics drivers are up to date.
The printer driver can be particularly problematic. Make sure that you have
the latest driver and then delete and reinstall the printer. If it is a
wireless printer, forget about it and get a locally connected printer. I
cannot stress how important it is to have a fully compatible locally connect
printer set as the Windows default.
Always work with your local HDD: never work directly with any type of
removable media.
To eliminate normal.dot(m) or any third party add-ins from causing this,
start Word in Safe Mode and run for sufficient time to see if that stops the
problem. Although this is only a test, it is a diagnostic which will let us
know if the problem is with Word or a third party influence.
If you are working with a template, make sure that it is not partially
corrupt. Use File, Open to navigate and select the template, then use the
Open and Repair option to see if it finds any problem with the template.
I recommend that you change the save intervals for something longer as every
1 minute is really putting unnecessary strain on your computer. Personally,
I never use is because I find it unreliable.
If the problem continues, try to note if you are doing something at the time
the freezing occurs.
