The vertical lines are probably "change bars". If you have Word 2002 or
2003, display the Reviewing toolbar by clicking on View | Toolbars |
Reviewing, then click on the little black downward-pointing triangle to
the right of the "Accept Change" button, and click on "Accept All Changes".

Will wrote:
I am editing a document and there are vertical lines to the left of some
text lines.

How can I get rid of them?

thanks for any help.