I want to do an index for a book I am writing. Easier said than done. It is possible using MS Word 2000. However, even after following various routes, I am still confused as how to do this propoerly. A friend who is versed in these things also found himself confused, so it's easy enough to get baffled. Is there a clear, step by step way of doing this? I get so far then it all goes wrong. Cheers..

Have you tried to use the Help function?
While I have Word 2003, your Word 2000 should be very similar.
Do a Word Help search for Index.

Yes, but Help and, indeed, a thick book on MS Word I bought do not do the trick. It sounds (as they say) simple enough until you try to do it. As I say, a friend who thought he knew how to do it, also got muddled when what should have happened, didn't happen. And he's been on a course how to use various bits of software.