"There is a problem with the Office database" Error Microsoft Office 2011

[amphibious]

I'm getting the dreaded "There is a problem with the Office database" error.

It started when I installed a Microsoft Office 2008, but didn't bother me because I never actually needed to use Office. Now, I'm doing some work where Office 2011 is mandatory, and really want to fix the error, but no matter what I do, no matter how many times I reinstall, etc, it doesn't go away. This error appears to be most commonly associated with Entourage and Outlook, but I have never had either installed.

Tried everything I've found on all sites, many times, and in many orders:
Uninstalling everything
moving/removing /Microsoft User Data
changing Microsoft User Data permissions
moving/removing the Main Identity file inside it
using Microsoft Database Utility to rebuild/remove/duplicate/make new
holding down Option on start-up
Removing /Library/Application Support/Microsoft
Removing /Library/Preferences/com.microsoft.*
Removing /Documents/Microsoft User Data

No matter what, I ALWAYS get the "There is a problem with Office database" error.

Sites I've found solutions on that don't work for me:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2360...ySimpleType%5D
http://superuser.com/questions/20422...e-for-mac-2011
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1270523
http://groups.google.com/group/micro...56d9cd3b?tvc=2
http://getsatisfaction.com/microsoft...e_2008_for_mac

[Dweller]

Upgraded to Office for Mac 2011, Student (no Outlook). Everytime I start Word, the "cannot access database" error pops up. Though I can enter and use word, many features hang up!

I've tried all solutions and fixes on line, like you. No one seems to know what to do. Might just go back in time and reinstall Office for Mac 2008. Wasted many, many hours over last week.

Very frustrated.

[Supa_Fly]

download Microsoft's Uninstaller.
Use it to remove installations.
Proceed with your steps above about removing library & user data.
PS: use universal search to find ANYTHING microsoft - short of your download. Ensure you have NOTHING left - there is another listing for Microsoft in Library or in the system files - com.microsoft. something or other cannot remember.

restart your Mac.
double-check nothing left JUST in case.
Then install Office Mac 2011 (if you have it) - or 2008 NOT both.