help? number lock & ALT & ASCII table usage

Question

I know this isn't exactly a hardware question... I couldn't figure out how to categorize it.   I do a lot of stuff in French and have become used to using the ASCII accents (which require ALT + typing a number code for the desired character) but for some reason when I try this on my new laptop, it just dings at me and nothing happens. I've tried using ALT plus the normal numbers across the top of the keyboard as well as ALT plus number-locked keypad. No luck either way.   Any ideas? I really need to resolve this since I post lots of stuff online in French for my students plus I have a couple of blogs and put lots of French in there too.   Humongous thanks for any help! S

sudacla · Answer

I should have been more specific - I have macros I use in Word - this ASCII problem is arising in web design applications, specifically FrontPage or DreamWeaver- I know I can probably just do insert symbol there too but I have most of the ASCII's memorized so that's faster -- the other place I want to be able to insert ASCII commands is on my blog - it's on Blogger - I always compose there in html and have always just used the ASCII commands there, too - but now I get dinged and nothing appears on screen...

I know I should just use insert symbol but I kind of have a bee in my bonnet about using the ASCII stuff since I know it will appear the way I want and since I know them best....

If I can get it to accept the ALT/ASCII combo with the normal number range at the top I guess I'll be happy, but if anyone knows how to work the number lock that would be great - I have since realized that even tho my number lock seems to go on, the light is lit, etc., the numbers don't type after all. btw I have an Inspiron B130 if that tells anyone anything.

thanks again hugely for any ideas

S

RoHe · Answer

What software is running when you try to do this? If you're in Word, click Insert>Symbol on the toolbar and select the character you want. You can set up a hotkey while you're there to make it easy to insert commonly used symbols without having to go via the toolbar.

Ron

The Beckett · Answer

I too am getting annoyed with the seeming inability to insert characters in Word 2007/ Vista using ASCII/Alt on my Inspiron 1525. Did you figure out how to get around this?

I use a lot of scientific notation in my work which I have been unable to do since purchasing my new lappy :(

Help me please! Dell have been unable to assist me thus far!

The Beckett · Answer

The post is about the user's difficulty in using ALT + number code for ASCII accents on their new laptop. They have tried using ALT with the normal numbers and the number-locked keypad, but it doesn't work. They need help because they frequently post in French for their students and on their blogs. The answer mentions that the user can type numbers regardless of the number-lock light being on or off, and they have already replaced their motherboard and keyboard without success.

Locked Topics – Laptops General

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