Normal View problem

I am struggling with my new Windows 7 64 - bit computer. It has Internet Explorer 9 and MS Word 2003. One of the problems that that I cannot resolve is that I can’t see my text editing in Normal View. On my old computer , with Windows XP Home SP3 and also MS Word 2003, I could change the font type or size in Normal View and see it immediately while still in Normal View. With my new computer I can edit the text in Normal View but only see the editing in Web Layout, Print Layout and Reading Layout Views. ( I can’t see the editing in Outline View either, but I never use this feature ).
Strangely, if I change text in Normal View to italics, bold or underline, then I can see the changes in Normal View. I tried for hours with books and online to find the solution. I would be grateful for any advice. Many thanks. Dave Dale.

I can't answer your question, but on my own system I just universally use the 'Print Layout' view as my Normal view --- and when I do so, I can see everything just exactly as it's going to be printed, and I can make all of those text changes you referred to. So really, for all intents and purposes, the only difference is the name (title) of the view.

Thanks, Imperfect1. If I can't find a solution I shall do the same.
Dave Dale.

Imperfect1 said:

I can't answer your question, but on my own system I just universally use the 'Print Layout' view as my Normal view --- and when I do so, I can see everything just exactly as it's going to be printed, and I can make all of those text changes you referred to. So really, for all intents and purposes, the only difference is the name (title) of the view.