I doubt it help office97 users (not many of us left ) unless the actual files are digitally signed, as currently none are, they didn't do that way back then (or seemed not to).
It just looks like the autosandbox give a heavy weighting to unsigned executables right now.
Several options for Office 97 users:1.) Try the updates at the links above after running Windows update. Can't hurt. May or may not help. OR
2.) Wait for the next release of Avast 7, which may fix so many of the issues being talked about now. OR
3.) Go to Amazon.com or look on E-bay for some great deals on MS Office Software. I use Amazon all the time. You'll be able to get ugrades for about 50% less than what the products were in the stores, or when they first came out. You may not need the latest and greatest Office 2007/2010, but see if you can go 1-4 versions up from Office 97. That can help as well. Run Windows Update before installing the new versions. Than follow the prompts to install the new versions. OR
4.) Uninstall Office 97 and get Open Office from Open Office. Org.
http://www.openoffice.org/ This suite is totally free, is about 99% compatible with MS Office File Formats, and would probably be a more secure solution than Office 97. OR
5.) If you have the money get either Office 2007 or 2010. Be prepared for a learning curve for a while as you get used to working with the MS Ribbon in this version, instead of the traditional toolbars.
Jack