New Dell PC on a NetWare 5 network, running Groupwise 5.5 libaries, Word 2000. Periodically (about every 2 weeks) on one of the new PCs Word2000 no longer responds when attempting to open. No error message. User is always using within Groupwise. However, I tested outside of Groupwise, and same non-response. When I use the "new office document" icon, I get the message: "The program associated with the selected template cannot be started, or the program cannot use the selected template." Two temporary fixes have been: 1) uninstall Word2000. Manually remove remaining "\office" entries in registry. Reinstall Word2000, or 2) remove/re-add Windows profile. But the problem keeps comihng back. This has also happened on an identical PC, but only once. The third identical PC has been unaffected. I have search so many ways and places, but have not found this issue anywhere. Any help would be appreciated.

Try this when it happens again. Open the registry and go to \\hkey_current_user\software\micosoft\office\9.0. Delete the key value "word". Now try opening word again.

Gregory, what a lifesaver. You responded so quickly that I was able to perform this over the phone for my client, and it worked! My only concern now is that would this not be similar to my previous "fixes", and the problem likely to return in a couple of weeks? Either way, I'm appreciative of your above information.

Yeah, I agree it may return. But it has to be quicker than reinstalling office each time. You could send them a .reg file that will remove this each time they have the problem. I know not a permanent fix. I bet the problem may be related to GroupWise and Groupwise may be adding something to this portion of the registry.