I did download to my hard drive and tried to open it from the drive, but it didn't work.
I did not try the Word > File option like you suggested. I should have thought of that.

Unfortunately, now, the shop has installed Windows 7.
(Previously, I had XP with Office 10, and never had a problem).
I also had a new hard drive installed with 8.

The files open now.
So, it would have been nice to know why Windows 8 didn't work, or if it was the new hard drive. I was just beginning to like 8.
Anyway, sorry we couldn't resolve this in case it happens to someone else.

Thanks
Andrew