"Word cannot open the file" - why does Windows shut down?

by Hugh
(Texas)

Why does Word shut down? I bought a new HP desktop computer with Vista already installed. Sometimes I get a notice such as "Windows cannot open the file ~ WRS{E488CD etc /OEF}. If the file is stored on your computer there might be a problem with your hardware. If the file is stored on your network ..."

So, in either case, what is the problem and how can I fix either one?