Microsoft Works Font Cache problem

Well, having (I think) got the E drive problem referred to in another thread straightened out, I have pinpointed (I think) the problem that is causing my computer to shut down whenever I try to enter dollars and cents in Works Spreadsheet.

When I enter a dollar amount and go to Format>Number the computer reports an error, shuts down, and restarts. It appears that the difficulty lies somewhere in Microsoft Works Fonts Cache, but how to repair it I have no idea.

I've tried System Restore to no effect.

Reinstalling Works Suite 2006 didn't help.

Someone has suggested that I stop using Spreadsheet. But what's the alternative? Excel? Can I get that freestanding or only as part of Office? Can I transfer data from Spreadsheet to Excel?

Any suggestions (simplest language, please) welcome.