Microsoft Word missing files

[apples]

Hello

When I have a word document open, and I open up another word document at the same time, the existing word document closes automatically. I can only open one word document at a time. But I've also found that some word documents that should be in my documents folder are missing.

I'm using windows xp, I'm using microsoft word '97, It's a Dell 450.

I would appreciate any help

Thanks in advance.

[Broni]

I don't want to leave you with an impression, that nobody cares about your problem, but...
I did some searching, and I came up empty on your subject.
Do you have original Office CD?
I don't remember, if it goes all the way back to '97 version, but Office CD had "Repair" option, or you can try to reinstall...

[patio]

Have you checked under Tools/Options ? ?
There's probably a setting that states open file in a new window or something similar...