Just recently, I noticed that whenever I try to open Excel/Word files by double-clicking the files in Windows Explorer (since that is the usual way), the program/application starts (Excel/Word) but the file itself is not loaded. The application is loaded with nothing (not even a paper/worksheet). The same thing happens when the Excel/Word file is right-clicked and Open is selected.
What is weird though is that if the application itself is opened and already running, and the document is opened from the Office Button, it works perfectly fine. Also, when the said applications are already opened, opening Excel/Word files by double-clicking already works. Thus, for the first time a file is double-clicked, the application is opened without the document loaded. For the second double-click, the application opens with the document loaded.
When the files for the said programs are opened using "Open With >", and then choosing the appropriate program, again, for the first time, the application is loaded without the file. For the second time, all goes well. When the files are opened by using "Open With >", then selecting "Choose Program...", then selecting the appropriate program from the list, for the first time, the application is loaded without the file. In addition, an error window pops-up saying, "Windows cannot find <path and filename of the Word/Excel file>. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a file, click the Start button, and then click Search." For the second time, it's already okay.
What could be the problem here? I know my problem has a workaround (e.g., double click the file twice so that it gets opened for the second time, use "Open With >" two times, or open the application then open the file from the Office Button menu). But, is there any way to bring it back to the "normal" way (e.g. simply double-clicking the file once and it gets opened/loaded together with its appropriate application)?
By the way, I'm using Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise Edition. I already tried uninstalling completely, and then re-installing but the problem still persisted. What could be the problem? PowerPoint files work perfectly fine. This problem only affects Word/Excel files.
Many thanks!