Unlikely.

Which version of Word is it? Which version of Windows? What spec of computer?

Microsoft Office 2003

Windows7 Home Premium 64 bit edition OEM

Pentium Dual Core/1024MB DDR2/150GB is about all I can tell you since the machine was built for me and is not off the shelf.

Are you trying to save/open files that were once on a network server or share that isn't there any more?

I am trying to open existing files to check or add more information, e.g. monhtly gas consumption. I am then trying to save, to return the files to their folders.

Do you get the same delay if you try to open the same files in, say, Notepad?

What happens if you run taskmgr whilst Word is doing its thing, specifically the CPU load?

Many thanks but these technicalities are beyond me. I will however explore them.

now. Many thanks for your attention.

An expert finally fixed the problem by installing Word 2007

You come across these experts all the time in IT, just imagine the same experts in, say, the motor industry:

"I took my car to the garage with a slight misfire, and the expert finally fixed the problem by selling me a new car"...!