In Microsoft word, why is it when I type or space bar it erases the text in front of it and not move the text?

Question

In Microsoft word, why is it when I type or space bar it erases the text in front of it and not move the text forward? It just started doing it. I don't remember changing any of the settings.

So, I was typing along, but then I moved the curser back to the middle of the paragraph to insert more text in the middle, but as I type instead of moving the old text forward allowing me to insert new text and keep the old, it just deletes all my previous text as I type over it instead of in front of it.

I hope this is understandable.

Answer 1

You must have your "insert" button activated.  When it's on, it'll replace what's on the screen with whatever you're typing instead of adding it and pushing the next letter over.  So if you hit the spacebar, it'll think you're replacing the next letter with a "space", that's why it disappears.  Just push the "insert" button and you should be set.

Answer 2

You must be in Overtype mode, press the Ins or Insert key on the keyboard.

Answer 3

You have pushed the "Insert" key on your keyboard by mistake. Push your insert key once and it should correct the problem. (Insert is over beside the home key).

Answer 4

You are in Overwrite mode, as opposed to Insert mode which is normal.  Press the Insert key (usually to the right of the backspace key somewhere) to put things back.