Templates Not Working

I am using InDesign CS6 with Windows 7. I have taken the online courses, I often consult the InDesign manual and my purchased manual. Over a year ago I set up my templates, which I have been using regularly. I have made no changes in the program that I know of nor in Windows 7. Last week some of templates, but not all of them, would not allow me to flow rtf files past the first page. I get a red cross in the lower right corner. There was no way I can get the text to flow into the first column in the next frame. In desperation I deleted the InDesign Preference file. Even though I then rebuilt my preferences, the problem remains. My only recourse has been to create all new templates, which are working, but I sure am nervous.

What went wrong? I still have the templates that are giving me trouble. What should I try with them? Am I missing something here? Am I going to have to face this problem periodically? Even though I have been able to set up new templates that work, I am concerned about this happening again. Do others have this problem?

Thank you for any guidance.

Carole