Hey dustypearl,
Check if you get the same error message when the computer is in clean boot. This will make sure that there’s no interference from third party application.
Refer this article for detailed information on how to do this.
How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135
If the problem doesn’t return during clean boot configuration, it’s likely due to one of the applications that are conflicting with office applications.
Follow the steps given in the article below to determine the culprit.
If the problem returns even when in clean boot state, check your event log for complete information on the error message.
Refer:
What information appears in event logs (Event Viewer)?
**http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/What-information-appears-in-event-logs-Event-Viewer**
To be sure that this is not the activity of virus infection, run online virus scan.
Run it from:
**http://onecare.live.com/site/en-ca/default.htm?mkt=en-ca**
**Note:**Please ensure to put your computer back to normal startup mode after completing the troubleshooting steps. Steps are available in the article given above.
For further assistance, you may post your concerns at the link below.
**http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/group/Office**
Regards,
Shinmila H - Microsoft Support
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