Dash and Dot Problems

[jasthorn]

Using Word 2000, I have two annoyances:
(1) When using a dash (typically space dash space) in a document, I always
get a long dash and not the shorted one. Is there a way to get rid of the
long dash?
(2) When using bold in highlighting a word, I always get a dot placed in the
left margin on the same line. Is there any way to stop these dots from
always appearing?

 

[jasthorn]

(1) In Autocorrect window, I added to always replace long dashes with short
dashes. The added instruction is still there but it doesn't work! What do
you suggest next?
(2) The dot that appears in the left hand margin only appears there when
clicked on the Show/Hide toolbar icon. Strange after I change a word to
Bold, for example, the dot appears. Yet if I go up and click on the Undo
Typing icon on the toolbar the most recent individual dot disappears. What
do you suggest next?

 

[jasthorn]

Just for reference, I using Word 2000. By "going back to the menu", I
assume that you are referring to the Autocorrect menu but there is no
"Hyphens (--_ with dash ---)". Am I at the correct menu?