On a Microsoft Windows system, which executable file name is used to start the MS Word word processing application?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests knowledge of executable file names in Microsoft Windows, specifically for the MS Word application. While users normally start Word by clicking icons or menu entries, under the hood the operating system runs a particular executable program file. Recognising this file name is useful for troubleshooting and is sometimes asked in computer awareness exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The application in question is MS Word.
• We are working in a Windows environment.
• Options list several possible executable names: word.exe, msword.exe, word2003.exe, winword.exe and office.exe.
• We assume classic versions of Microsoft Office where file names follow established patterns.

Concept / Approach:
On Windows systems, each program is usually stored as an executable file with extension .exe. For Microsoft Word, the standard executable is named winword.exe. This is true for many versions of Word and is used internally when launching the program. Other names like word.exe or msword.exe sound plausible but are not the actual default executable names for standard installations. Office.exe does not correspond to Word specifically and is not the usual program file name.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Microsoft Word is part of the Microsoft Office suite. Step 2: When Word is launched, Windows starts the core program file, which is stored with a specific name in the Program Files directory. Step 3: The traditional name of this executable is winword.exe, short for Windows Word. Step 4: Option d, winword.exe, matches this name exactly. Step 5: Option a, word.exe, is not the standard file name for the full MS Word application. Step 6: Option b, msword.exe, might look logical but is not the real executable name used by Microsoft Office. Step 7: Option c, word2003.exe, appears version specific and is not the generic program file used across versions. Step 8: Option e, office.exe, would suggest the entire Office suite, not the specific Word application, and is not the usual executable name.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you open the installation folder for Microsoft Word on a Windows machine, you will see winword.exe as the main executable. Task manager also lists WINWORD as the process name when Word is running. Many troubleshooting guides instruct users to run winword.exe from the Run dialog to start Word directly. These observations confirm that winword.exe is the correct executable file.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Names such as word.exe or msword.exe may be used by other tools or very old software, but they are not the standard file name for modern MS Word. The option word2003.exe is overly specific and would not apply to other versions. Office.exe suggests a more generic product and is not the known executable for Word. As exam questions usually focus on standard and widely used names, winword.exe is the only acceptable answer.

Common Pitfalls:
Because options like word.exe or msword.exe sound intuitive, students may choose them without recalling actual file names. To reduce this risk, remember that Microsoft historically used the prefix win for Windows specific applications, which explains WINWORD for Windows Word. Checking process lists or shortcuts on a real system can reinforce this memory before an exam.

Final Answer:
The executable file that starts MS Word on Windows is named winword.exe.