Office 97 disabled after recent 2007 update

I have been using office 97 and am very happy with it, but have office 2000 and 2007 installed.  After a recent update to 2007, I am unable to open any 97 application.  All that happens is an hourglass icon.  I tried uninstalling 2007, but that did not work.  Is there a registry value that can be changed to allow the 97 applications again? I am able to use the 97 applications in SAFE MODE.  OS Win 7

Hi terryfelter

 

 from your post, it seems that maybe you have  3 versions of MS Office installed on the same computer?

Office 97

Office 2000

Office 2007

 

Is that right?

Regards

paws

3 versions until 2007 was uninstalled in an attempt to allow 97, but that failed.

Ok all understood…
it is possible to have different versions running on the same machine… but its fraught with problems and better avoided unless absolutely essential….
Take a look here for detailed notes from Microsoft:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/218861

you may have some success with using a System Restore Point created before the update to MS Office 2007 initiated the problem

If this doesn't work then you could try using a Registry back up made before the problem started.

Let us know how you get on
Regards
paws

I understand the possible problems, but have had no issues with the set up for over 7 years, right up to the update several days ago.  And now even after uninstalling 2007 I am unable to open any 97 application.  All the 2000 still open and function, but to use Access 2000 I have to convert all the 97 Db's to 2000 and they do not convert without errors that have to be tracked down and fixed.  It would be much easier if their was a registry (or some other simple fix that is disabled currently)entry to fix

 

NOTE: I don't use outlook

How did the system restore point work out?

The system restore didn't change anything

Ok how did using a Registry back up created before the problem started work out?
Regards
paws

Unknown I jus used the save point create by the update.  If that is enough information for you.

have you backed up the Registry (other than by making a System Restore Point?

If so use that Registry back up to see if that improves the situation.
Regards
paws

I'll try this but don't remember if or when it was created

Only do this if yo9ur Registry back up was made before the problem started.
Regards
paws

Attempted 3 times to restore registry and obtained 3 errors during restore.  So nothing has changed since the 17th.

Ok all understood,
Have you tried to uninstall the update to MSOffice 2007 that you think caused the problem?
Regards
paws

The only office products in the control panel are 97 & 2000.  No 2007 "*anything" exists.