New computer, new to Word 10. As things are configured now, when I hit "enter" on a document to insert a new sentence into the text body, it only drops under where the courser is and also covers over the word under it rather than dropping the entire line of text. ???

Try starting Word (20)10 in Safe mode. What happens?

I suspect you have a problem with line spacing such that it is set less than the actual height of the text.

Basic Concepts of Microsoft Word - from Shauna Kelly

As Charles wrote, this is probably the line spacing. A quick fix is to exit Word, locate the Normal template and rename it. Restart Word and the factory default settings for new, blank documents have been restored.

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Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

I think it sounds like its more likely that it could be a floating text box in the file rather than being a line spacing issue.

In either case, the Normal template renaming suggested by Stefan should resolve the issue.

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Andrew Lockton
Chrysalis Design, Melbourne Australia