OK, The files couldn't be opened from documents & could only be opened in Abiword. I decided to totally uninstall 2.6 from the C-drive. I thought it could be uninstalled from the start-menu.
I have downloaded 2.8.1 & it is running perfectly. The icons have come back (in Abiword) & I can open abw files from documents or Abiword now.
You are quite right, I had no need to upgrade the old word processor.
I am an idiot...
K-Meleon ~ Not a Melon!