How do I deal with a File Conversion Window in Microsoft Office Word 2003?

If I click on links in e-mail that open files in Microsoft Office Word I get file conversion window requesting I select encoding to make text readable. They offer 3 options: Windows (default), MS DOS and Other Encoding. None of these options make the text readable. Someone suggested updating Java or Adobe Acrobat. I don't know much about either of these and really need to open these files.

How do I deal with a File Conversion Window in Microsoft Office Word 2003?
What kind of files are the enclosures?





In addition be careful with enclosures - they can contain viruses