Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library Error

Everytime I try to run Microsoft Word 2003 or install anything else (including Windows Updates) I receive an error message.  I am running Windows XP Media Center on a brand new XPS400 system.  The error message is:

Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library

Runtime Error!

Program: C:\ Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office11\WINWORD.exe ( I also get the same message for msiexe.exe)

This application has requested the runtime to terminate it in an unusual way.  Please contract the application's support team for more information.

When I click ok, I then get:

WINWORD.EXE-APPLICATION ERROR

The exception unknown software exception (0x40000015) occured in the application at location 0x7813461a. 

Click OK to terminate the program

Click Cancel to debug the program.

 

Has anyone ever heard of this and is there a fix?  I've contacted Microsoft and get the run around with them.