In a new blank document, set the number of columns to "One" (even if that
option already appears to be selected) and see if that makes a difference.
If it does, open the Normal template as a document and repeat the procedure
there. When you are done, save and close the template.
To specify the number of columns:
- In Word 2003, click Format | Columns, and click "One" under "Presets."
- In Word 2007, click the Page Layout tab, and then click Columns | One.