It was mentioned on here, I believe, some time ago tht Excel 2000 WILL run
correctly
under, given that all traces of newer approval Office software are removed.
I also seem
to remember that removing this "approval" software is not always an easy
task.

If I am wrong, surely someone will correct me ;)

My solution is to go back to my old machine and run XP or 2000 version of
Windows.
I run Linux on my laptop, and am very happy with it.

My wife can have this Vista desktop for email. It should be good enough for
that.