Suddenly can't <save> or <save as> MS Word files

[cl3]

Dell Inspiron 1100, P4, 2GHz running MS Office XP Pro

I can't [highlight]save[/highlight] or [highlight]save as [/highlight]any MS Word or Excel file on this laptop. Problem started 3 days ago. When I try either of these functions, the cursor turns to hourglass, but then nothing happens. No other keys or functions will work. When I then try to kill the file (X upper right) I get a notification that "This program is not responding."

I have done soft and hard re-boots; no help. I have done Norton full system scan; no infection.

I have made no changes or additions to the laptop.

Any ideas?

[Flame]

You ran a Norton AntiVrius scan, but what about Spyware? Do you have the install CD for word and Excel so you can just reinstall files?

Flame