I don't know what a ""text box blank" hide" is, but when I have to remove things in either Word or Excel, this often works:
Save your .xls file as TAB DELINEATED .txt (you need the tab).
Close .txt file.
Open .txt file in Word.
Under Tools, Options, Formatting Marks, check the All box.
The ""text box blank" hide" might now become visible.
If it is visible, copy the symbol.
Open Edit, Replace.
Click the cursor into the Find What box.
Hit Control V. This pastes the ""text box blank" hide" symbol in.
Leave the Replace With space blank.
Select Replace All.
Close Word, open .txt with Excel , Save As .xls
If you haven't removed the Tabs, the data should return to the correct cells.
Remember: The Chinese ideogram for “crisis” is comprised of the characters for “danger” and “opportunity.”
-Steve