Strange messages in Word on startup

[snook]

When I click on Word to start it up, I get some weird messages.  For example: "Please insert a disk into Drive F:", and "The global template NORMAL.DOT, is already open as an add-in program", the first message again, this time for Drive E, and "Compile error in hidden module, AutoExec", which, even more strangely, seems to have just stopped appearing, after bugging me for weeks. These messages come up and have to be cancelled, then sometimes keep reappearing several times, God knows why.  It makes opening Word quite a performance.  Sometimes, by the time I've got things moving I've forgotten what I wanted to write (but that's probably just age!)

Anyone got any ideas what's going on?  As far as my software reports, the system's virus-free, and there aren't any signs of anything else strange.  I'm using Windows XP Pro.  Would appreciate any suggestions (apart from throw the ****** thru the window, which I've already toyed with).

[stevie21]

As a last resort have you considered uninstalling and then reinstalling Word/Office?

[snook]

Sorry Steve, should have mentioned I've been down that route - have uninstalled and reinstalled (in fact installed a more up-to-date version of Office).  Still the same messages! Haven't got a clue what started it all, but it's not affected by completely removing Office from the system and starting over.

[j2buttonsw]

Have you uninstalled office, deleted the office installation folders (C:\program files\microsoft office) plus associated folders (c:\program files\common files\microsoft shared\office and c:\documents and settings\$username%\application data\microsoft\office)? Then reinstall it. Do a complete/full installation rather than the default "typical" installation.

[snook]

jtbuttonsw, I uninstalled and did a full reinstall, after deleting the files you listed.  Still get some messages!  Some are gone now.  Some referred to shortcuts and it's now giving me the option to delete them since they're obviously not working, so they're history.  Might check there aren't some files lurking somewhere that I missed. 

Thanks for your help, it's certainly improved the startup although there is still a bit of junk popping up.