Usually the error message attached to this problem is
"Can not read data files" or something along this line.
Solution to this would be to go to the Windows Explorer
and then up to the title bar. Select View/Options then a
window will appear. Make sure the box is unchecked
next to "Hide extensions of files that are registered",
if it is not unchecked; uncheck it now. Now close
Windows Explorer and open Word97. Select Tools/Macros,
and delete TEMPDDE from the macros if it exists..