I wonder if it would make sense to email one of your files that won't open to someone else to see if they can open it. Then you'll know if it's the file itself that's corrupted or a software problem. Either way that eliminates a raft of possibilities.
DMcG's suggestion is a good one too...
Is it the same if you start Word and then use the File->open dialog or double click on a .doc file icon?
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sj