The Word 97 Security Update: Macro Vulnerability addresses a vulnerability that could allow malicious code to run in a Rich Text Format (RTF) document without warning. Under normal circumstances, you will see a warning in Word 97 when you open a document attached to a template containing macros. However, it is possible for an RTF document to be linked to a template containing macros in such a way that a macro can run with no warning issued. This could cause damage to data or allow unauthorized retrieval of data from your system when you visit a Web site or open an email message.

The Word 97 Security Update: Macro Vulnerability prevents macros from opening without a security warning. After you have installed the update, you will be warned before you open an RTF document that contains a template or macro. After you have installed the update, you will still be able to use templates, macros in templates, or Rich Text Format (RTF) documents with macros.