Word opens when you open Outlook XP

We (those in our IT department)have noticed recently that after doing all the Windows updates and you open Outlook XP (2002) word opens automatically. Now I know that you can change the default email editor and this is not the problem. Word should only open after you begin to compose a new mail message. Have anyone else experienced this problem after doing Winwods XP updates?

Thanks,
gwnfld