One approach is to use the old Table | Cell Height and Width dialog
(applying a column width to the entire table, not just specific rows); see
http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/TblsFldsFms/TablePropProbs.htm

Signature
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
> In Word 2003, I often receive tables in which column widths for just
> part of the table do not line up exactly with other parts of the
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> readjust all the column widths to what they were previously. Is there
> an easier way to format tables?