It might be the document format you have in that file. Does your document say it is running in [Compatibility Mode]?

On my machine, a docx file in Word 2007 format gives me text boxes with grey squares but if I change it to 2010 format I get the other format with my text boxes.

However, copying and pasting in either direction converts the text box format so perhaps this is not the same as you describe.

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Andrew Lockton
Chrysalis Design, Melbourne Australia