format issues with word

soolin

I use rather old programmes as I am used to them and for basic documents (my book lists etc) I use Microsoft Word.

I 've just come in from work and a friend had sent me a powerpoint presentation and he had asked me for my comments, but I couldn't open it. The PC popped up the usual 'shall we find a programme to open this' I did but then I struggled to close the presentation down after I had seen enough to make my comments.

The problem is all my heavily used documents are now in a different format, I've got arrows instead of spaces and a strange symbol which I can't replicate here but which looks like a heavy line and a squashed backwards capital P has appeared everywhere.

I've tried restoring to an earlier point and it says I can't.

All my documets are corrupted, even my CV and all my DS's homework and uni stuff they leave here.

Where do I start please and can you please make any explanation idiot proof..as I am not very techie.

So far I have tried right clicking to open a sample page and choosing 'word' to open it, but iI stillg et the new formatting.

I'm using Windows XP and Word 97.

Thanks

soolin

Just to add the original attachment scans as being clear of any virus or other nasties.

zfrl

Hi, it sounds like you have got the show/hide formatting button set to show. To undo this click the icon if it shows in your tool bar - it is the backward P.

soolin

Thank you, you are positively amazing..how did you know that!

All is fine now and I am very relieved.

zfrl

I did it myself! A while ago now but some lessons you never forget especially when you are on a tight deadline!

johnmc

Long since lost Office 97, but it sounds like you've accidentally turned on the View Formatting facility.

Try View from the main toolbat and select Print Layout (or similar).


HTH.

soolin

Thank you everyone

I was panicking, all I could see was all my documents ruined :eek:

Such a simple fix for something that made me panic so much.