I have a problem opening documents from the MY DOCUMENTS folder. When I double click a document, the extension changes from "doc" to "exe" and the document won't open. If I go into word and into the "open" drop-down menu box, I have no problem.

Does anyone have any idea what the problem could be and How I can sort it out.??? Could it be a virus??

The computer has win 98 on it.

First, are you running up to date A.V. and Firewall utilities?

If so, then reaffirm your file/application file extensions.

In either My Computer, or Windows Explorer, open either Tools or View, choose Folder Options.
Click on File Types.
Scroll down to Microsoft Word Document.
Click Edit (on the right).
Under Actions:, highlight Open.
Click Edit (below).
Ensure the path/application are correct.
(ie; "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\WINWORD.EXE" /n) or similar.

Post back with any further info/results.