Thanks for your various replies. The situation with Office 2000 is that it begins to download onto Vista quite happily. Then everything stops, and the following message appears:

Error 1309. Error reading from file: D:\windows\msagent\intl\AGT0409.dll.
Verify that file exists and that you can access it.

I am given two options: retry (no good); or cancel (back to the beginning).

I have tried the method of installing it in the compatibility mode of XP as suggested, but to no avail.

Also my new Packard Bell Intel Quad core PC has now developed a problem in that whenever it is left unattended for an hour or two, it goes into a coma mode rather than sleep mode and cannot be woken up. The HD surges, and I have to disconnect at the mains to get the machine working again.

I realise that these are two separate problems, but I should appreciate any help that can be given on either.

I am in complete disarray!!