See
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=295823 "You receive the 'This
patch package could not be opened' error message in an Office program".
Mike S wrote:
I am trying to get into word 2002, I can't delete it or reinstall it, I can't
get any documents out of it. It says there is a patch missing and to
reinstall, I must have either deleted something to make word work or a part
of the program. what can I do