AB,
Just a thought - you are fully up to date with anti-virus?
Have you access to another PC to try your files on Win2K with office 2K? Or rebuild your PC as above (not realistic, given your deadline, I know).
BTW - Office is very definitely available at educational rates in UK.
BTW 2 - its Saab Das', not Saad 'Bas - but I can sympathise with the Freudian slip

. Actually, you are probably closer to the truth...
SD