One-step hyperlink removal from Microsoft Office document

Automatically sign up today!When you type an Internet address, an E-mail address or URL, Word automatically formats the string as a hyperlink. Most of the time, that's what you'll want, but not always. The truth is, removing a hyperlink is pretty easy: Right-click the hyperlink and choose Remove Hyperlink.

If you prefer a mouse-less method, you're in luck. You probably already know about [Ctrl]+z. It'll remove the hyperlink format and leave the text. As soon as Word applies the hyperlink format, press [Ctrl]+z to remove only the hyperlink format. Now, what could be simpler? Surprisingly, there is a simpler way. After Word applies the hyperlink format, press [Backspace]. Admittedly, you're saving only one keystroke and I think for most of us, [Ctrl]+z is easier to remember, but the [Backspace] alternative is worth knowing (remembering it's a different matter).

You can disable this feature easily enough, if you decide that's really what you want. In fact, you might disable it temporarily, enter a some non-formatted values and then re-enable the feature when you're done. That makes more sense than disabling it permanently. To disable the feature in Word 2003, do the following:

1. From the Tools menu, choose AutoCorrect Options.
2. Click the AutoFormat As You Type tab.
3. Uncheck the Internet and Network Paths With Hyperlinks option in the Replace As You Type section.
4. Click OK.

In Word 2007, do the following:

1. Click the Office button and then click the Word Options button.
2. Choose Proofing in the left pane.
3. In the AutoCorrect Options section, click the AutoCorrect Option buttons.
4. Click the AutoFormat As You Type tab.
5. Uncheck the Internet and Network Paths With Hyperlinks option in the Replace As You Type section.
6. Click OK twice.

In Word 2010, do the following:

1. Click the File tab and then choose Options under Help.
2. Choose Proofing in the left pane.
3. In the AutoCorrect Options section, click the AutoCorrect Option buttons.
4. Click the AutoFormat As You Type tab.
5. Uncheck the Internet and Network Paths With Hyperlinks option in the Replace As You Type section.
6. Click OK twice.