Excel clipboard problem

I have a problem when in EXCEL. If I copy data from a cell, then go to
outlook to paste in a new message, when I click on "new message", the hour
glass comes up and nothing happens for 5 minutes or more. During this time,
things are locked up, and if you go to task manager, excel and outlook both
show as unresponsive. After about 5 minutes, the new mail message window
opens. If I go back to EXCEL, the workbook is blank and the file i had open
is now in the recovery pane. If I have a message window open, then go to
EXCEL and copy data and go back to outlook, I can paste it with no problem.
I notice the same thing happens if i copy from EXCEL and then go to word and
try to open a new document to paste. I have uninstalled and reinstalled
OFFICE. No luck. Others i know with same laptop and software do not have
the proble,. Suggestions?