XL2K3: Alt-X unicode trick doesn't work, yet it's in Help. 1

[Kkamann]

The Excel help says typing the Unicode hexadecimal code followed by Alt-X will display any Unicode character (e.g. 20AC, Alt-X for €), just like in Word. It says:

"[Alt-X] Pressed immediately after typing the hexadecimal code for a unicode character, converts the numbers to the character. Pressed immediately following a unicode character, converts the character to its hexadecimal code."

It doesn't work. I know there are alternatives, such as macros, etc. But I am curious if this is an oversight in the Excel help. Everything I've seen in this forum and elsewhere says Alt-X doesn't work in Excel. But if does work, how do I get the Alt-X trick working in Excel then?

(Yes, I'm looking at the the Excel (2K3) help and not Word help)

-Kkamann
A non-professional geek who's a geek.

 

[strongm]

As I recall, there's a registry setting required to get this working. Can't remember what it is off-hand, I'm afraid.

 

[xlhelp]

Answer is here ----> thread68-1573272

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[TonyJollans]

I don't think the answer is there, and I don't know the answer for sure. I was under the impression that Excel did not support this, but if there is a registry hack to make it work I would love to know it.

Enjoy,
Tony

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[xlhelp]

LOL. I can't edit registry on my work computer (rules) and I assumed the Old Pros knew everything.

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[strongm]

My memory let me down a bit. The registry setting is for a globally applicable alternative to Alt-X - and you may already have the relevant registry setting.

Try:
1.Press and hold down the Alt key.
2.Press the + (plus) key on the numeric keypad.
3.Type the hexidecimal unicode value.
4.Release the Alt key.


To be complete, here is the registry setting:

HKEY_Current_User/Control Panel/Input Method, set EnableHexNumpad to "1". If you have to add it, set the type to be REG_SZ.

 

[acevans]

alt 0128 works

 

[cmeagan656]

Awesome, thanks! I got a new computer and it doesn't have the Euro dollar key that my old laptop keyboard did.

Hope this helps.

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[strongm]

That method is rather dependant on which (and where) unicode characters are mapped into your particular character set.

Of course, if all the OP requires is to get the Euro symbol then that should not matter. Mind you, if that was all they wanted then then Alt-Gr + 4 would also suffice. However it appears to me that € was just being used as an example.

 

[xlhelp]

Or under Add-ins there is an option for Euro

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