Its almost sound like you have the handels referenced some how in the new file. Just off the top of my heaad with out seeing a picture.

In the new file make sure you dont have them on a layer in your channel box referenced.

Also try an go display>conponent display>selection handels>enter. This might hide them at first just do it again and they should come back into view.

If not post up a pic so we can see a little better.