I have Office Home and Student 2010. suddenly I cannot open word documents. It says I need version 2013

Hi Karen,

Could you provide the whole error message about your issue?

If possible, please provide a screenshot about your issue.

Based on your description, I suppose the file association has been damaged, please try this method and check if it works for you:

1.In Windows Explorer, right-click on a Word file.
2.Choose Open With, then Choose Default Program.
3.If you see Microsoft Word, choose that.
4.Making sure that the box for Always use the selected program to open this kind of file is checked, click OK.

You can also see this video for further instructions:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-default-programs#1TC=windows-7

You can also try to repair your Office 2010.

1.Please go to Control Panel.
2.Click Programs > Programs and Features.
3.Click the Office product you want to repair, and then click Change and select Repair.

If this issue still exists, please provide more information about your issue. I'm glad to help and follow up your reply.

Regards,

Emi Zhang
TechNet Community Su