I copyed /pasted something from the Internet on to a Microsoft Word new document and, since then, I can't get rid of various symbols: new paragraph, space dots and arrows all over the place.

I have tried to remove the symbols by going into Tools /Customize /shortcuts etc but, once having brought the symbol up, the appropriate action headings to delete, etc. are not in bold type (they are faded into the background and therefore can't be activated.)

I even thought of downloading Microsoft Word again but I've got a Roxio Drag-to-Disc and this won't recognize the CD and let it be activated.

Anyone any idea of how I can remove these irritating symbols? My PC is ME.
Hope someone can help, Kangaso.

Welcome to Dal. You need to go to tools/options/view and untick all the boxes in formatting marks.
Or, if you have this show/hide icon up on the word toolbar just click it again and the formatting will disappear.

Thank you so much It worked: symbol free!

Glad it worked and you're format free. Personally I have it on all the time.