lots of extra characters in documents

[Phillus]

I had my computer repaired when I got it back and opened my documents from my work.
I have characters and periods between the words I have like space holders.
can anyone tell me what was checked that I can un check it.
If I click on print preview it is not there or if I print.  but it is too confusing to continue to use.

thanks
Phyllis

[soybean]

We're talking Microsoft Word here, right?  Which version?

[Phillus]

2microsoft Windows xp professional service pack 3  and Office  professional Edition 203

[Rustys]

Do you see on the tool bar a button that looks like a paragraph mark?
If so just press that, it is the show/hide for the formatting for the document.  I also believe the short cut keys are Ctrl+*

[Phillus]

Thanks Rusty I was able to find it but it was hidden I just kept looking it was there
I really appreciate your help.  It was driving me crazy
 

[soybean]

Do you see on the tool bar a button that looks like a paragraph mark?
If so just press that, it is the show/hide for the formatting for the document.  I also believe the short cut keys are Ctrl+*

Actually, the keyboard shortcut would be Ctrl+Shift+*.  The Shift key is needed in order for the #8 key to work in upper case mode and display the *.