Word 97 - Over size word file.

Sounds like a virus or a corrupted normal.dot template to me. There are a lot of viruses out there that cause files to expand or create blocks of "used space" that isn't really used. Might want to get the latest anti-virus software and scan your drive.

If the normal.dot is corrupted or infected and the A.V. can't "cure" it, you should be able to just delete the file and Word automatically create a new one the next time you start. However, before you take this for gospel, I'd advise checking out Microsoft's website, another workstation or asking a friend *that you trust* to copy an uncorrupted normal.dot onto a floppy so you can just copy it over to your drive once the A.V.'s done its work.