Problems Accessing Extended Characters When Using KBDUSX.DLL

 Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
Article ID: Q119507
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1, 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

When you are using the US-International keyboard layout and you press a CTRL+ALT combination to produce an extended character, an unexpected action occurs in the application you are running. For example, if you are using Microsoft Word 6.0 for Windows and you press CTRL+ALT+p to produce an o- umlaut, Word switches to page layout view instead.

CAUSE

Many Windows-based applications use CTRL+ALT combinations as shortcuts to perform specific functions. Application-based CTRL+ALT sequences override CTRL+ALT combinations for producing extended characters.

WORKAROUND

Rather than using CTRL+ALT sequences to produce extended characters, you can use the ALT key and the numeric keypad.

For example, instead of using CTRL+ALT+p to produce an o-umlaut, use ALT+0246. Consult the ANSI character set to determine which numeric code corresponds to the extended character you need.

NOTE: You must use the numeric keypad.

MORE INFORMATION

Other examples of CTRL+ALT sequences used as shortcuts in applications are listed below. 

Purpose                Key combination    Workaround


Sharp "S" in German    CTRL+ALT+s         ALT+0223
u-umlaut               CTRL+ALT+y         ALT+0252
NOTE: An umlaut is a character that has two dots above it.

KBCategory: kbprint kbusage kbinterop
KBSubcategory: win30 win31 wfw wfwg
Additional reference words: winword powerpoint excel german ANSI character
set sequence 3.0 3.00 3.0a 3.10 3.1 3.11

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Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
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