So you have found where the original normal.dot was stored? Can you see the files and folders now?
Yes...I have overwritten with your kind posting of "normal.dot", to no avail...
does user templates point to the same directory?
yes...
If still no good, try putting the Office CD in drive, and checking if there is a repair option when you re-run setup. I had to use it once, and it didn't do any damage...
I have no backup CD, its been lost
I think I am eternally doomed!