Microsoft word use problem

Bruce Heasley 20 Reputation points
2026-11-09T17:52:41.7433333+00:00

I typed 5 asterisks (*) in a document on a new line. Word changed them to a line of dots. Now I can't remove the line.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows
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AI answer

2026-11-09T17:53:07.5433333+00:00

Place the cursor in the paragraph immediately above the dotted line, then select Home → Borders ▼ → No Border to remove it.

The line cannot be selected or deleted like ordinary text because Word converted the asterisks into a bottom border attached to the paragraph.^1^ Microsoft’s removal procedure is:^2^

  1. Click in the paragraph immediately above the line.
  2. Open the Home tab.
  3. In the Paragraph group, select the arrow beside Borders.
  4. Select No Border.

Prevent it from happening again

In Word for Windows:

  1. Select File → Options.
  2. Select Proofing → AutoCorrect Options.
  3. Open AutoFormat As You Type.
  4. Clear Border Lines.
  5. Select OK.^1^

If Word creates another line and it has just appeared, pressing Backspace immediately cancels the automatic border while retaining the typed characters.

References

  1. Insert a horizontal line | Microsoft Support
  2. Remove a line in Word | Microsoft Support
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  1. Stefan Blom 357.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-11-09T18:31:15.6133333+00:00

    For "everything" on automatic borders in Word, see Suzanne S. Barnhill's article at http://ssbarnhill.com/wordfaqs/TroublesomeLines.htm#Borders .

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