[hopper]

What exactly happens? Does Word freeze, or does it just do nothing? You mentioned it doesn't work when you click the abc (spelling and grammar) button. How about when you try and access it through the Tools menu (Tools>Spelling and Grammar)?

 

[hopper]

Does the paper clip say something to the effect of "The Spelling and Grammar check is complete" when it is done reading? There should be no missing files unless something went wrong during the install, as even with a minimum installation the spelling tools should install by default.

 

[hopper]

I guess I would try installing again, and installing everything possible (if you have the space). Did you upgrade over a previous version? I have heard of one issue where it wont work properly after installing over Office XP.