After spending hours/days trying to rectify this problem without success I was fast approaching my wits end. I had just checked it was clear of people below my window, before launching the computer like a 'scud missile' through it, and reaching for my faithful 'pen and paper'

Deleting the files 'normal.dot (I had three!) worked a treat.

Run a search for the file named, 'normal.dot' and delete it.

Then reopen Word.

If this does not work, insert your Office2K disk and run a repair.

When you have done this and still have problems, please post back with more information of when the occurance started, OS version, and Office version and I can help you further.