I have solved the problem by deleting the Hyperlink style and then recreating it (same name). Now when I import a word docx it comes in with no character formatting and in the Normal para style. But that doesn’t answer WHY?? did it do it in the first place? I probably caused it myself, but how? I’d like to avoid repeating the mistake. Thanks for your help!

Yes, I do have a character style for the hyperlink and the text imports with the Normal para style. I import a text doc (Ctrl D)and the text comes in with blue and UL. If I right click on Normal (the para style applied automatically-I’d like to change that but that’s another issue for another time) and I have the option of Apply Normal; Clear Character Style so clearly it IS applying the hyperlink style but I can’t find it. Style Settings says [No Paragraph Style] + next: [Same style], exactly what is right above that in the editor. I go through ALL the other options in editing the style and cannot find a Character style at all, let alone the Hyperlink style. I’m at a loss.

Where else could the Character style be being applied?