BleepingComputer.com: microsoft word 2003 SLOW to open

I am running windows xp and my Word application takes close to a minute to open up. Once open it works fine, saves quickly. I was advised to change the template normal.dot to another name....or to delete the file.....I have tried both....the first time after doing so, Word opens in a second....but then there is another normal.dot created and the next time I try to open it I am back to waiting?? any words of wisdom will be appreciated
Katy