Yeah, Openoffice (OO) can handle .doc files. I've seen this problem with XP (as in, office xp, that's what Word 2002 is part of) before. Basically, a file's been corrupted or what-not from your installation, and the installer is trying to copy it from the CD. Except, since it's broken (not your fault), it doesn't ask you for the CD or even mention it needs it.
If you had the CDs, running the installer from there and choosing "Repair" would most likely solve the problem.
For a while back, I had the 60 day trial of Office 2003. I liked it. Especially since putting the clock back in the BIOS at every boot meant you could reset the 60 day thing
. (Then I got a proper license for about £20)