We just converted our computer from Windows 98 to Windows XP, and I saved my Microsoft Word files onto a disk. When I try to open them (on the same version of word as on the old system) the entire thing comes up as boxes. I've tried changing the compatability, the font, saving it as different file types, copying and pasting, and using various recovery programs but to no avail. I also tried searching for normal.dot but there was no file called that on my drive. Any help is greatly appreciated.

The sympton would suggest that the versions were of a different language or the font that you used to create them does not exist on the new machine's setup. I would image that you would know for sure that the language is the same but can you actually recall what font you used as your default font (if all files have the same symptom) as I suspect you don't have it on the new machine setup. HTH Bryan

Thanks for your help, but I do remember what font I use as I use it for everything I type (it's a weird complex I have). It was Arial Narrow size 12 - which is very much on my new system. Any other ideas?