Hello there.

Microsoft office 2003 problem.
When starting microsoft word on vista ulitmate, there seems to be a problem

This will automatically shut down, saying there was a problem and is shutting down...
The other programs seem fine, Excel, powerpoint, etc.

I havent a clue what this could be, has anyone else had this problem.
In the top right corner of microsoft word it will say "Finalizing Installation" and then after you type a couple of sentences it will shut down on its own..

This is for a friend of mine, who had microsoft office put on when she bought the laptop of a friend, though she does not have the disk, so i wondered if this is an installation problem.

Would this be some sort of copy of microsoft office 2003, that was put on for her
She has only found this out now as her son needs to use word for school
( vista ultimate, 64 bit, sp2)

I assume that you're opening up Word from the Start menu here...

Open up the Start Menu and go to Word. Right-click on it. Open up its Compatability tab which is the third tab.

2003 is an XP product. Therefore, Word (and Excel and Access if they're 2003 versions) should be run in compatibility mode for "Windows XP (Service Pack 2)."

If this is not so, check the box and select Windows XP from the list to make it so amd OK the box to close it.

See if it runs now.

You know, sometimes it's just best to call Microsoft to see if they can solve the problem. And if your friend's software is still under warranty, that's even better.

There are programs that can open and save documents in MSWord format that are free.

Get Office 2007. Right now it's cheap as Hell for students.

This Office package costs less than $100 and has a user license for use on three different computers.

Or you could use a similar suite from OpenOffice.org - The Free and Open Productivity Suite.

Originally Posted by pauliewalnuts

I assume that you're opening up Word from the Start menu here...

Open up the Start Menu and go to Word. Right-click on it. Open up its Compatability tab which is the third tab.

2003 is an XP product. Therefore, Word (and Excel and Access if they're 2003 versions) should be run in compatibility mode for "Windows XP (Service Pack 2)."

If this is not so, check the box and select Windows XP from the list to make it so amd OK the box to close it.

See if it runs now.

That is a great answer, i will try this later when the laptop is here.
I will let you know if it worked.....

Originally Posted by Imperfect1

You know, sometimes it's just best to call Microsoft to see if they can solve the problem. And if your friend's software is still under warranty, that's even better.

I woulden't even know where to begin to get microsofts number, or even what department, and even if they have a microsoft support here in england.
If the above method does not work, i could go to the microsoft questions and answers forum, or just install open office.......thanks anyway

Originally Posted by pauliewalnuts

There are programs that can open and save documents in MSWord format that are free.

Get Office 2007. Right now it's cheap as Hell for students.

This Office package costs less than $100 and has a user license for use on three different computers.

Or you could use a similar suite from OpenOffice.org - The Free and Open Productivity Suite.

Thanks again, yes i do know about the free programs, and could just save the document in the word format.....

Originally Posted by pauliewalnuts

I assume that you're opening up Word from the Start menu here...

Open up the Start Menu and go to Word. Right-click on it. Open up its Compatability tab which is the third tab.

2003 is an XP product. Therefore, Word (and Excel and Access if they're 2003 versions) should be run in compatibility mode for "Windows XP (Service Pack 2)."

If this is not so, check the box and select Windows XP from the list to make it so amd OK the box to close it.

See if it runs now.

Open up the Start Menu and go to Word. Right-click on it. Open up its Compatability tab which is the third tab.

I've checked this and there is no compatability tab...

The latest service pack might fix the problem.

How to check the version of Office 2003 you are using

The easiest way to find out if you're working with the latest good copy of Office 2003 is to go to the folder <your drive>:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office11

Hover your mouse over Excel.exe

The program details will come up, including the version of the software.

The following are the versions of Excel by service pack
11.0.5612.0 is the original version
11.0.6355.0 is Office Service Pack 1
11.0.7969.0 is SP#2
11.0.8173.0 is SP#3

To doublecheck, now hover your mouse over PowerPnt.exe
11.0.5529.0 original version
11.0.6361.0 SP#1
11.0.7969.0 SP#2
11.0.8173.0 SP#3

If you have any version that's not the latest version, download MS Office Service Pack 3. It contains packs 1 and 2. It fixes stability issues with Office including Word.

Thankyou so much for that information pauliewalnuts.
I will check on this shortly as the laptop is not here at the moment.

But i will be sure to let you know