Windows *URGENT* Office XP cannot save or open files

My friend has an older pc running windows 2000 with office XP. I reformated the PC for my friend about 3 months ago, everything worked fine, and still does expect now whenever they try to open or save a file in microsoft word, excel, or any of the office suite allpications the application stops responding. I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling office XP but it didnt work. The application opens and runs fine, but it will not save a document, or open an existing document.

Any ideas what could be wrong or what to try to fix it?

My friend is a teacher and has to get grades out by monday, so any help would be much appreciated.

 

(blatant fanboy)

http://www.openoffice.org

(/fanboy)

That aside, repair installing Windows might help. I'd suggest trying OpenOffice first, though. It'll open and change .docs and .ppts just fine.

 

try just checking for disk errors... :S

had problem nearly like that.. computer refused to open excel files but not anything else...
turns out bad cd!

as i say.. try checking pc for disk error... try using a different cd (if u can get hold of one) ummm and post back here should anything change :S

 

i dont spose you no if he has performed any security updates laterly, namely the MS06-015.

I had a problem recently where this update stopped office from saving anything, it would just hang when you tried to browse to a folder.

The following update solved the problem for me Link

 

In addition to the above mentioned items (openoffice.org is great!), you might also want to install Service Pack 3 for Office XP.

 

Uninstall update KB908513

Then hide it in the windowsupdate.com list too.

Problem sorted.

 

Thanks for the quick replies. I'm going to my friends place tonight to see what I can do. Ill let ya know how it turns out.

Thanks again.

 

I tried this one first, and it fixed the problem, what an odd problem, with an easy to do but hard to find solution.

The update I uninstalled was KB908531 (31 inseatd of 13 as there was no 13)

I can't thank you enough, i dont know if i ever would have found that.