Unable To Create Special Characters

Question

With my new Inspiron 1300, I am not able to create special characters.  I've only tried one.. one that I've used often on my old computer.. but, can't do it with my new laptop.. hopefully, someone has the answer.   For instance.. in recipes, I frequently use the degree character.. the little 'o'  superscript to the temperature.  Still using Windows XP, as with my old computer.. I'd hit ALT 167 and it would put the degree character in place..   HELP..   Thanks, Bill Woodcarvings at : www.picturetrail.com

RoHe · Answer

Are you using Microsoft Word or some other app when you want to insert the º symbol? In Word, you can click Insert>Symbol and select º from the list of symbols. While you're there set a simple keyboard shortcut for it. I set Alt d in Word to insert º.

You can always use alt 00186 (use the number keypad), but that's a little cumbersome so a keyboard shortcut would be the best way.

Ron

kirkd · Answer

Are you using the numeric keypad with the ALT key? The numbers at the top of the main keys will not work. If yes, is the numeric keypad turned on?

wee.alex · Answer

Hi Bill, I should have said what KirkD did about using the numeric keypad, this is what I get when using Fn+Alt+167 = º   Fn+Alt+0167 = §

chuket · Answer

Here is Character code for degree ( °), remove all the _ 's as it won't post here correctly: &_ #_ 1_ 7_ 6 ; If you use HTML that char. will show as ° Message Edited by chuket on 04-03-2006 11:40 PM

smokenque · Answer

Thank you for your reply.. all I get when pressing the Fn+Alt+0167 is a sound.. 'bink'

Is there a way to contact Dell support? When I connect to their 'support.dell.com' it requests a service number..

wee.alex · Answer

Bill, Try pressing the Fn key along with the Alt key

smokenque · Answer

OOPS, sorry but I edited my previous message.. Please see that one..  Thanks, Bill

kirkd · Answer

Make sure the numeric keypad is on by pressing the Num Lock key. The Num Lock light on the keyboard should be ON. Then press and hold ALT, then the symbol code. For the degree symbol, it's ALT 248:° This process uses the ASCII codes for symbols, and should work in most applications.

smokenque · Answer

The computer didn't come with a manual.. so,  I don't know how to use the numeric keypad if someone can help.   If I have to press the Fn+ALT+0167.. does the Fn and Alt have to be pressed at the time of typing the 0167?   Thanks,

smokenque · Answer

Thanks for the reply..  I can now get a '°' sign... BUT, where did you find that ASCI definition?  I think I mentioned I went to Start / Programs / Accessories / System Tools / Character Map and the popup shows the Alt+0176   Appreciate your help.. but wondering why the map doesn't give me my correct symbol..   Bill Message Edited by smokenque on 04-03-2006 09:26 PM

smokenque · Answer

OK, found out how to access the number pad.. but when I do Fn+ALT+0167 I get '§'

kirkd · Answer

Sorry, I missed that you have a laptop. Press Fn and ALT at the same time, Hold them and type 248 on the numeric keys embedded in the alphabetic keys. Don't use the top row of numbers except for 7,8 and 9(unless your keyboard is set up differently.

wee.alex · Answer

Hi Bill, There's a list of ASCII extended characters at this link http://www.kerryr.net/pioneers/ascii4.htm

smokenque · Answer

Got it working.. it was a user issue.. ME.  I was supposed to type Fn+Alt+0176 but typed 0167..   Deslexia hits me again.   Sorry for creating the issue.. but you all did help in that I didn't know about the Fn key and using the numeric keyboard rather than the number keys along the row on top of the keyboard.   Gracias.. Bill

kirkd · Answer

In these forum messages,

ALT-176 is ░ (hatched box)
ALT-167 is º (degree symbol)
ALT-248 is ° (degree symbol)

However, in MS Word, 176 and 248 are the same, but
ALT-167 is superscript 0

In WordPad, ALT 167 is superscript ) while 176 and 248 are the degree symbol.

In ASCII code, 167 and 248 do the degree sign, while 176 is the shaded box. To be sure you get the degree symbol, use 248.

Windows General

Unable To Create Special Characters

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