What ways can I regain access to Microsoft Word 2003 files after I (accidentally) uninstalled the program?

Alright, so I probably did something REALLY dumb. I downloaded a free 60-day trial of Microsoft Excel from their website, waited for 2 hours or whatever to get everything situated for it, and finally, I was able to open it. But when I did, I couldn’t do anything. It wouldn’t allow me to even type in anything i the selected cells. So, aggravated, I removed it from my computer.
Here’s the stupid part: I guess when I removed the Excel free trial, I also got rid of my Word 2003 program somehow. I didn’t do this on purpose, and I only clicked on the Excel program to get rid of. So now, I’m with out Microsoft Word, and have many things in that program.
I tried to download the program, again, from the Microsoft site, but I am still unable to open my Word files and edit them. (I can only open it in “Microsoft Word Viewer”)
My questions are:
How can I get full access to all of my Word files again?
Do I have to download or buy Microsoft Word 2003? What should I do?

Microsoft does not support Word 2003 any longer. You can do a system restore to an earlier date and your Word 2003 should be there. All it has to be is one day before you installed the Excel.
You can also download Open Office for free and you can open and edit your Word files there. Their spreadsheet works well also.

Tags: productivity, software, tools, web2.0, windows