I thought it was due to network folders (addins, etc.) but after eliminating those factors, which were the case sometimes, still no dice.
Solution:
Type regedit and click on it to open. Click on 'Yes' in the pop-up window. Click on 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER'. Choose 'Software' folder and click on 'Microsoft'. Scroll down and click on 'Office'. Select 'Word' ...no need to go further, just delete the entire "Word" or "Excel" Key.