i'm automating word from visual basic 6.0. the version of word i have is XP. well it only words every other time. then it pops up a message saying "normal.dot caused a serious error last time it was opened" and give me the option to open, recover data or cancel. either one i pick it doesn't create the word file. the only way i can get around this is to rename the normal.dot file to restore the default settings. does anyone have any clue what causes this wierd problem. please help! thx