I am using Windows XP Pro with word 2000 and Word 2003 on
it.

In Word 2003, when we choose to open a file using File >
Open, the files and folders inside any location(say My
Documents) appear in the order of folders followed by
files. We have the option of sorting all the icons(files
and folders) according to 'modified date' or other
criteria.

then lift-click 'Arrange Icons by > Modified') according
to date modified, the folders will be on the top followed
by files. On second attempt for same sorting operation,
we will get all the files on the top followed by all the
folders.

This is in contrast to the behavior in Word 2000 where --
on sorting the files and folders as above, the folders
will get sorted within themselves but stay on top.
Similarly, files will be sorted within themselves and
always follow the folders.

Moreover, this is in contrary to the fact that the
sorting of files and folders is controlled by underlying
operating system. A sub-case was created for Windows to
look in and was closed with the resolution as 'By design'
in Windows but some problem specific to two different
version of word only.

Any help will be appreciated.

Wineat