Word 97 crashes doing a File Open

When opening a file using the File Open option Word crashes with a ‘Exception access violation’ address 0x02823a5b. Using Windows Explorer if you click on the same file it will open without a hitch. Also a file can be opened if it is in the RecentUsed file List. We are running on WinNT 4.0 Service pack 6a. Office 97 Standard edition with All service packs.

So far the only solution has been to uninstall and reinstall office.
Could not find and solutions on MSN knowledgebase.

Any help appreciated.