But meanwhile I'm a bit concerned about the firewall issue. I use the free version of ZoneAlarm with an ADSL modem from Freeserve - drivers for WinXP downloaded from Alcatel site. I haven't the faintest clue whether this software includes a firewall, although the logical thing to do is go and ask Alcatel, so I will! But I suspect not, and with ZoneAlarm your assumption is correct that I have just left it to its own devices rather than making any intelligent tweaks (not a network specialist really!). So probably I should look at changing it anyway? Or do you think if it aint broke don't fix it? Interested in your opinion.

I think you are describing an internal DSL modem. Usually, these modems do not have NAT (a cheap form of firewall). If it is external and plugs into your computer or network, there is a good chance that the box has NAT. NAT = Network Address Translation. Every computer that communicates with another (TCP/IP network protocol only) require an IP address. On the Internet, an IP address cannot be issued more than one time. Usually, your DSL will issue a static IP address. That address is your permanant address. It will not be given to anyone else in the world on the Internet. On your computer, you are issued a INTERNAL IP address that CAN be used over and over again in LAN/Intranets. The problem: You need to be able to communicate with your computer to the outside world (and vise versa) through your Internet IP address on your router. Now enters NAT. The box will translate the incomming (only incomming) packets (data info) to what is set in the router (manual setting by user). Usually, an average user does not need incomming information in their network so all ports (thousands available on one IP address) are closed. This makes is difficult for someone to enter your network. However, not impossible.

I would suggest you contact your ISP and find out if you have NAT on your router/modem. If you do, then you are ok not to spend the money (would not hurt to do it anyway). If not, then you better invest the money and get the software as soon as you can.

Just an opinion.

The error message is regarding the main dll file for the entire office suite. I am not sure what third party translator type software you are using, but I would highly suspect it and contact their technical support. Some plugins (software that works with Word or Excel) have problems or are coded poorly and can cause Word to crash or run slowly. I would start with this.

Secondly, there are some nasty issues with the Zone Alarm software you are using. If you are a novice user of the computer and know little about networking, uninstall Zone Alarm. Zone Alarm requires that the user knows a lot about the operating system and networking so that you can decide what operations can occur over the internet and which one cannot. If you are unaware of exactly which ones are ok and tend to be conservative on what operations you pick, you can can cause your operating system to run at a crawl or cause serious errors. You may consider the pro version as it does some of the work you do not have to do. However, I recommend Norton's firewall as a viable solution.

Bad news if this is your problem. The operating system is permanatly damaged. You will either need to reinstall the whole OS (personally, not an option), run a manual SFC (click 'run' on start menu, type, "SFC /now"), or insert your install CD and run a manual repair on the operating system (choose all the repair options when asked). This might detect some of the problems that you are having. Most times, this works ok. Otherwise, you do have an option to reinstall the OS without loosing your files/programs. I have done it a few times and do not recommend it as it overwrites your registry. However, you can make a backup copy of your registry and try to restore it after the reinstall operation. That could get a little advanced for you.

Hope this helps, feel free to post back.

If you are using a cable connection, it is necessary to get some sort of firewall protection. If you are using DSL (phone jack instead of TV cable), then you are probably using a form of NAT that will act as a decent firewall in itself. If you are using cable, I would give Norton Firewall a try.

Another problem you may have is a damaged Office 2000. Have you run a repair yet? Also, did you do a full install (90% of users do not)? To run a repair, just enter the install disk for Office in the computer and choose the repair option. If you want to be sure you have done a full install, then put the cd in your computer and do a add/remove features. At the top of the folder structure (office 2000 option), choose the dropdown menu option (arrow pointing down) and choose 'run all from my computer'. Allow the install to proceed. This may also be an issue if you are using various features of word that are not installed by default. If you have done all this, then assume it could be a Zone Alarm issue.

The first step I would take is removing Zone Alarm. Check stability after you have done this. Please keep in mind that disabling it does not work (makes it worse because it still runs but denies most access through the internet). You must fully uninstall the application.

If this does not solve your problem, then run the SFC as I suggested in my previous post.

If the SFC does not work, then start the computer via the CD. You will get to a repair option. Choose this. Then select the option to manually repair. It will give you a list of options for repair. Leave all of them checked. In a few minutes, your computer will restart. Make sure the disk is removed. Boot normally into Windows XP and test stability.

If this does not work, you need to do an install. It will ask you if you want to install over previous install. This is what you want to do. Keep in mind, this is your last resort. I would prefer to backup and completely wipe the drive rather than take this option.

Also, please keep in mind this is all assuming the Zone Alarm is causing the problem. You may be getting the error message while running a specific function or application.

Hope this helps in addition.