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17747
March 1st, 2010 09:00
Inspiron Mini 1012 - Cannot create Alt+ special characters
I recently purchased a Dell Inspiron Mini 10 [1012]. I do a fair amount of correspondence in foreign languages, especially Spanish. However I knew that the Mini 1012 keyboard didn't have a numeric keypad [accessed by an Num Lock key], but was certain there must be a way to create special characters without using the Accessories>System Tools>Character Map. {well, yes I 'assumed' when I should have known better].
Well, I have tried many different key combinations without any success. If anything, all I get is a 'ding'
Is there a way to get access to the Alt+Number combinations that have been standard on computers for so long? I really don't want to have to use Character Map or load another keyboard setting unless it's absolutely necessary.
Thanks in advance for your help
kirkd
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5.2K Posts
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March 1st, 2010 12:00
As far as I know, the xyz codes (alt Fn with laptops) require using either a separate numeric keypad or the numeric keypad integrated into the keyboard. The numbers on the top row DO NOT WORK. They do not send the correct ASCII codes.
I have a wireless mouse/numeric keypad that will send the correct codes when using laptop keys and the numeric code on my laptops.
Note: on laptops you need the numeric lock on and use both the and keys.
clairemaria
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March 2nd, 2010 09:00
Sounds like the numeric keypad is a good idea Since I don't really need extensive numeric entries, I decided that for my situation, the best way to with this is:
1 Add the US International keyboard as an additional [not the default] keyboard
2 Switch to it when I want to write or reply to foreign language correspondence.
3 Write the text in MS WordPad or MS Word, using shortcut keys. For example: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/HP051865621033.aspx
4 If the correspondence needs to be in something other than WordPad or Word, just paste it into the appropriate application, browser window, etc