With a clean install and a fully-updated Office 2003 package, all you should need is the Compatibility Pack for Office 2007.

To use the Compatibility Pack with Office 2003 you must have the Office Service Pack 3 installed. You should also ensure you have the latest Windows Installer for XP installed - the Compatibility Pack also requires that Windows XP has the Windows XP Service Pack 3 installed. If, having done all that, you're still unable to open Office 2007 files, that suggests there is an inherent fault in either the Office installation or the Compatibility Pack installation. Your inability to save files in the later format suggests that is indeed the problem.



I'm inclined to stay well away from those third-party utilities/cleaners/optimisers/converters, though, as some of them do more harm than good - a likelihood that rapidly increases with every different one you use.

Failing all of the above, the only other possibilities you're left with are that you have (a) installed some other software that is incompatible with Office 2003; or (b) a PC with a hardware fault.

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

I will go over each step you suggested and take the appropriate actions.
Thank you for your expertise and help. I will let you know what happens. Paul

Ok. I spent the day taking your advice to no avail. Uninstalled Office 2003. Cleaned the HD.
From a clean boot, I:
Installed Office 2003.
Updated all available updates from MS including SP3.
I have the latest MS install program.
Installed the MS file FileFormatConverters.exe

Still cannot open .docx file.

Any ideas?