Programs "not responding"

I run MS Windows XP Home ed. , MS Office 2000.
Frequently I receive a message in MS Word, MS Excel etc "program not responding" This disappears after a while and the program runs alright.
MS gave me the following solution: downloading a patch from www.windows-patch.info
This comes at a price of almost US$20.
Any free solution? I don't think I should have to pay!!!!!

Jacques

 

why pay for one of microsofts patches when they are free from their site http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-043.mspx

 

Thanks for your reply buddhafabio. Downloaded several patches/options on the site, not knowing exactly which one applies. Only xp gold servive pack 1 patch for windows xp seems to be excepted (32) hasn't improved the working though. Any other ideas?
Jacques

 

Update: first downloaded your recommanded patch in "open" mode, this did not work. Later downloaded same in "save" mode and opened/executed later. This seemed to have worked, haven't had problems since. Thank you buddhafabio!!!!!

Jacques