Hi Gary,
The problem you are experiencing can happen when a third party template is present in the Word Startup folder. You will need to empty the Word Startup folder. Before troubleshooting
by using the steps below, please perform the following steps to view the hidden files and file extensions:
Steps to enable Hidden Files in Windows XP:
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1. Close all the applications and Open My computer.
2. Click on Tools->Folder Options.
3. Click on the view tab and under Advanced Settings, check "Show Hidden Files and folders" and uncheck "Hide File Extensions for known file types", click apply and click OK.
4. Close My computer.
A) Steps to empty Word Startup folder
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1) Click on Start.
2) Click on Run.
3) Type %appdata%.
4) The Application Data window will open.
5) Locate the "Microsoft" folder and double click to open the folder.
6) Now locate the "Word" folder and double click to open the folder.
7) Now locate the "Startup" folder and open the folder by double clicking on it.
8) If you have any files here then click on Edit Menu on the Main Menu bar, then click on ‘Select All’.
9) Again click on Edit Menu and select ‘Cut’.
10) Close the Startup window.
11) Go to Desktop, right click on the Desktop, and select ‘Paste’.
12) Now Try Opening Word and check if the problem persists.
I hope this helps!
Regards,
Scott Atkins MCSE, MCSA
Partner Technical Lead - Outlook
Microsoft Technical Support
for Platforms and Business Applications
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