unable to record macro
 

I am using Excel 2003 (SP2 11.8012.6568 running under WinXP SP2) and
get "unable to record" when I try to record a macro in a particular
..xls. Then I can go back into the Tools menu and Stop Recording
(something obviously started). And when I started up VB and try to
look at the module where the new macro would be I get an Excel error
and Excel closes.

However, if I go back into the same .xls and start up VB (Alt-F11)
before recording, I can then record the macro. This is fine as a
workaround but I fear something is corrupted in this .xls that might
manifest itself again later.

By comparison, I have a previous copy of this .xls, before I added a
form and some command buttons, where I can record a macro without
problems.

Any ideas what this might be or whether I should be concerned?

Denis