cannot open any files in word 2004

[rcola]

everytime i open word "Word cannot open the existing global
template(Normal).
when i click OK. it then prompt (now matter what document that I am
trying to open)
"doc is being used by another user do you wnat to make a copy?
I then click OK and i get another prompt that says
Word cannot open this document the document might be in use or might
not be a valid word document.

now I have tried to open several different document all with the same
results.
can someone please help me.

thank you,
RCOLA