How to fix deletions when using text box

KaNesha 0 Reputation points
2025-08-28T04:10:39.6666667+00:00

I am attempting to edit a document. I use it frequently as a template. As of late when editing/deleting from one inserted text box, information from a separate text box is also deleting. How can I fix this? Overtype mode is not a checked box.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows
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  1. Stefan Blom 310.3K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2025-08-28T16:59:16.83+00:00

    I also have an "Add comment" box that will not go away. How can I remove that?

    This is normal in recent versions of Word. When you select a text range, a button for creating a comment User's imagewill display in the document. You can just ignore it.

    The only way to make the button go away is if you have a version of Word that lets you turn off the so-called modern comments. At File > Options > General, clear the option "Enable modern comments" and restart Word (restarting is a required step).

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  1. Stefan Blom 310.3K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2025-08-28T10:04:39.21+00:00

    In most cases, what you describe suggests a damaged (corrupt) document. Try copying the content over to a new, blank document (Ctrl+N).

    Exclude the final paragraph mark of the document in the copy & paste process.

    Do the following: After you have selected all the content with Ctrl+A, deselect the final paragraph mark of the document. You can do this by pressing Ctrl+A to select all and then pressing Shift + Left arrow to deselect.

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    1 person found this answer helpful.

  2. Eyjey116 390 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-28T09:02:37.2533333+00:00

    Hi! My name is Aj and Im an Independent Advisor here to help! I see how that can get frustrating, especially if you use the file as a template often.

    To fix it, click inside the text box, then go to Format > Create Link / Break Link and make sure the boxes are not linked. You can also right-click the border of the text box and choose Remove Text Box Link. After breaking the link, each box will work on its own again.

    If the document is used as a template, it may help to save a fresh copy once the links are removed.


  3. Thomas4-N 1,095 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-08-28T09:07:26.49+00:00

    Hello KaNesha,

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A.

    Based on your description, it sounds like the issue is caused by linked text boxes in Word. When text boxes are linked, Word treats them as a single flow of text. So deleting or editing content in one box can affect the others, even if they appear separate.

    *How to check and break the link:

    1. Click inside the text box (not just the border).
    2. The Shape Format tab should appear at the top of Word.
    3. In the Text group, look for the option labeled Break Link, with a chain icon.
      • If you see Create Link, the box is not linked.
      • If you see Break Link, click it to unlink the box from others.
    4. Repeat this for any other text boxes that may be linked.

    *If the issue continues, try copying all content into a new blank Word document. This method helps remove any hidden formatting or corruption that might be causing the issue.

    I hope this helps resolve the issue. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.

    Warm regards,

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  4. KaNesha 0 Reputation points
    2025-08-28T15:26:25.7433333+00:00

    I also have an "Add comment" box that will not go away. How can I remove that?

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