A strange problem: I switch on my computer and I try to open Excel, Outlook, Access or Word and half the time all is good, half the time, they take forever to open and are unusable (sluggish) when open. I do not know if this is random or related to something. Usually a reboot clears the issue and everything works responsively. If I get a "bad" bootup, I can't use any of them!

Dave

If you are actually using Outlook save all of your settings and preferences. Then try uninstalling Office. When you uninstall (through add/remove programs) it may not delete "everything". Check the Program Files directory and delete the Microsoft Office directory if it is still there, also check the Application Data directory for each of the user profiles and do same. Then reinstall. After you reinstall go to the Office website and download and install all of the applicable patches and updates.

I'd check the hd for problems. It may have trouble reading data from those sectors.

Today seems like a good day to chew through the restraints.

I'd first run a Repair of Office. If that doesn't work, do a proper uninstall and then reinstall.

Life is more painless for those who are brainless.