If the application disappears from the dock, try adding it again, but before doing this re-install the whole Office package. The users reported that this problem is often caused by a bad font installation. Re-install the product, then add the application to your dock and it should work. On the other hand, the is also considered a bug of the application and the only way to get rid of it is to upgrade Office to a newer version.
I can't write ,needs activation
The answer to the question is that you need to purchase and activate a valid license for Microsoft Word for Mac in order to use the software.
Yes, you can open documents already in Word format on your computer with this download.
I think the problem is in the OS preferenences or fonts.
If the application disappears from the dock, try adding it again, but before doing this re-install the whole Office package. The users reported that this problem is often caused by a bad font installation. Re-install the product, then add the application to your dock and it should work. On the other hand, the is also considered a bug of the application and the only way to get rid of it is to upgrade Office to a newer version.