# Computer question: Strange text on screen **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 23, 2013, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-strange-text-on-screen/672052 "2013-10-23T19:53:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![dougie\_monty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-strange-text-on-screen/672052/1 "2013-10-23T19:53:24Z")
It was like spreading grease on a griddle. Last night I was editing a file (in MS Word). I tried to correct a line and got a thick red line across the page, something to do with “formatted”, and I kept getting text in red. Delete, CTRL+ X, Backspace, nothing worked–all I got was a message on screen about “deleted text.” I finally copied the text of the file onto another file, and reconstructed the damaged part. What would make this happen? ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-strange-text-on-screen/672052/2 "2013-10-23T20:00:13Z")
Your description is a little difficult to follow. What version of Word? Did you have Track Changes turned on? That will cause all your deletions to be marked with a horizontal line through the middle of the deleted text. It will be in a different color than the default for the text, so can be red. Was the thick red line right through text that you deleted? something to do with “formatted” Sorry, that’s just too vague. all I got was a message on screen about “deleted text.” That’s kind of vague too. Was the message in a pop-up box, a revision balloon, in-line with the text…? If you delete text and the revisions are set to show all revisions in balloons, you will see a balloon at the right edge of the page showing deleted text. But this is a different option than showing a line through the deleted text; you only get one or the other. If the file does not have any sensitive content I would be happy to take a look if you email me. ---
**Author:** ![Blakeyrat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecd19e/32.png) [@Blakeyrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blakeyrat)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-strange-text-on-screen/672052/3 "2013-10-23T20:00:51Z")
Do you have Track Changes turned on? It’ll show formatting changes in red bubbles. EDIT: If you do, and don’t want it to be, open the Reviewing toolbar/ribbon, click the “Accept” button, then deselect the “Track Changes” button. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-strange-text-on-screen/672052/4 "2013-10-23T20:04:50Z")
Definitely you have “track changes” turned on. Here’s some help towards turning it off (may vary depending on version): > **[Microsoft Support](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us?correlationid=1c190268-0532-4b0f-b6ad-a6bd5f7c9ef6&ui=en-us&rs=en-us&ad=us)** > > Microsoft support is here to help you with Microsoft products. Find how-to articles, videos, and training for Microsoft 365, Windows, Surface, and more. ---
**Author:** ![dougie\_monty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2013, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-strange-text-on-screen/672052/5 "2013-10-24T07:25:52Z")
Originally posted by Cooking with Gas: _That’s kind of vague too. Was the message in a pop-up box, a revision balloon, in-line with the text…? If you delete text and the revisions are set to show all revisions in balloons, you will see a balloon at the right edge of the page showing deleted text. But this is a different option than showing a line through the deleted text; you only get one or the other._ I think that’s it. Word 2010, I guess. I saved the data on another file and put the offending file in the Recycle Bin, then emptied it. Nothing further ensued. But I’ll note all of your suggestions, guys. Thanks. 🙂