Apps / Software :: Windows 8.1 - All Of Office 365 Apps Failing On Startup

I am having issues with Office 365... and frankly I would never sign up for a subscription service, but I got a great deal since I am a student on a multi-year subscription. I don't think my issue is subscription related, but is related to the office products.

I am running Windows 8.1 with all of the high priority updates installed, on my Acer Aspire desktop system with a I3 processor, maxed out memory, an SSD for OS/programs, and the original HDD for most data. The system came with Windows 7, and was upgraded to 8 shortly after I bought it, then 8.1 when it became available. I believe that the Windows 8 was loaded from DVD I burned as part of installing the SSD, and was a clean install. I mention this all in case there is some potential unedrlying issue based on the upgrade path.

I am running Avast (paid version) which runs clean when I scan.

The issue is that every office program I have tried fails almost immediately, when I either open a document, or if I select a document in Windows Explorer.

I have uninstalled Office completely then reinstalled.

Then I uninstalled, removed application's directory, cleaned a couple of registry keys manually, then reinstalled.

I have only installed one app that I can recall since the last time the office products worked for me, and that is Quicken Willmaker 2014. I have printed my will, so I will be uninstalling to see if it matters. Since it worked, I don't recall any Office related updates being downloaded.

Whether or not that program removal solves the issue, I plan to download and try CCleaner...

One other possible issue. It has always been flaky for me, but my IE 11 seems even more finicky than usual... This might be unrelated, or in my head, but I thought I would mention it in case it is relevant. I have not noticed any issues with other applications or functions.

Anything obvious that I am missing or that I should add to my to-do list?