Microsoft Beta removal issue

I received an email from microsoft today saying that beta wont work in a while, so i thout i would uninstall it now and deal with any problems that arose rather than leaving it to crash.
I think the excel files are ok, i just changed them to open with microsoft '97.
The word processing files however end with .docx which i can't see how to change, if i open with with excel '97 they are filled with seemingly nonsense characters.
Can you advise me how to deal with this.

PS
Whenever i open a word document i get the message
"The windows registry has reported that one or more required files are damaged or missing. To correct this problem, run the word setup program."

i installed it borrowing a disc from someone which i no longer have any advice?

Thanks very much for your time

Stewart

 

Thanks

I've downloaded openoffice and it works well, do you think i should only use this and ignore/uninstall my office '97?

Stewart

 

I'm sorry I don't know which version it was it's gone now. I haven't hadng though (less than a year I guess).
BTW is there a way to sort out the message i get re '97?

Thanks

Stewart