Word files not opening when selected

[RayDee]

When I bring up 'Documents' and select a file it does not automatically open in Word.
A message appears, 'There was a problem sending the command to the programme'. This is a recent fault so I have probably previously done something wrong. If I open Word first and then select a file it will open promptly on screen. The files are word.doc.
from Word97-2003 and I am using Windows 8.1 How do I restore the link?

[Stefan Blom]

Right-click the icon for a Word document and choose Open With; then navigate to winword.exe and set it as the new default.

[RayDee]

Thanks for answer but if I do as directed the only options offered are MS Word or Wordpad.
Selecting MS Word brings up the same 'problem sending command'. Where do i go from here?

[Stefan Blom]

Make use of the option to browse for more apps. That should let you navigate to winword.exe.

[RayDee]

I have tried the suggested solutions, am unable to find anything offered after right-clicking that works. I have run the programme from the installation disc as 'Repair' and have even removed and reinstalled but the same fault still prevents selected files from opening. Any other suggestions?

[Stefan Blom]

Using Open With, have you tried the option to browse for more apps (the exact words may depend on your version of the operating system)?

[RayDee]

I seem to have exhausted all the options. The only relative one is 'Word' which brings up the Word programme but does not open the selected file. winword.exe has not appeared in the offered options or any where else. I can, of course continue to open Word and then ask for the required file, but it's a time waster. It's a mystery how this fault was created.

[Guessed]

How about you try re-registering Word
https://wordmvp.com/FAQs/AppErrors/ReRegisterWord.htm
or
http://www.addbalance.com/word/reregister.htm