Windows XP & Office 2003 filing errors

I am running Windows XP Pro and Office 2003 Pro and find that when i'm in a word program and try to open a document I created after I installed Office 2003, that it is often not present in the open window - but if I use Windows Explorer - I am able to locate it. I am not a novice, but also not a professional - and am wondering if I'm the only one Ron Haysom somhay@ozemail.com.au