XL2002: Inserted Symbol Is Changed to a Text Character (292478)

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, when you insert a symbol into a cell, and then select another cell or press ENTER, the inserted symbol may be changed into a text character.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur when you insert a symbol into a cell while a character-style font is selected in the Font list.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, format the cell after you insert the font character that you want. For example, follow these steps:

Start Microsoft Excel 2002.
On the Insert menu, click Symbol.
On the Symbols tab, click Webdings in the Font list.
In the Character code box, type 56, click Insert, and then click Close.
Press ENTER.

Notice that the inserted symbol changes to the numeral 8.
On the Formatting toolbar, click Webdings in the Font list. Notice that the text character changes to the symbol that you want.

MORE INFORMATION

When you insert a symbol into a blank cell, and then select another cell or press ENTER, the inserted symbol changes to the character equivalent of the currently selected font.