Thank you, Lene.  I read the article you linked me to, as well as various
other articles embedded in it.  These were most helpful, except for the
crucial problem that the place Word tells me (under "Tools" and "Options" to
"File Locations") my Templates, custom Dictionary, etc., are stored is in a
folder I can't find on my hard drive.  These files are supposedly located
under "Documents and Settings," to my name, to "Application Data," to
"Microsoft," to "Templates" or "Proof", etc.).  Yet when I looked in
Explorer, there was no "Application Data" folder under my name at all, nor
anywhere else I can find on the computer.  Furthermore, when I ran a search
on the hard drive for the file "Normal.dot," figuring I could at least back
that up somewhere, no such file appears.  

So now I'm totally confused.  I have Word 2003.  Why is it directing me to
folders that don't seem to exist?  Is there some way they may be hidden from
Explorer -- in which case, is there some other way to find the files and copy
them?  I've heard of hidden folders but don't know what those are; could
"Application Data" be a hidden folder on my computer??  I hope these are not
dumb questions!  I'm feeling flummoxed.