Print Prints Incorrect Higher-Order Character (63746)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 3.0
  • Microsoft Windows 3.0a
This article was previously published under Q63746

SYMPTOMS

The "Microsoft Windows User's Guide" for version 3.0 states that you can create characters by pressing the ALT key while you type a three-digit character code on the numeric keypad. The character appears properly on the screen when you type it, but it may print as something else.

CAUSE

Programs running under Windows display characters with the ANSI character set. Most computers and printers use character sets that are different from the ANSI character set for character codes above 127.

A given printer prints higher-order (character codes above 127) characters using the OEM character set built into that printer.

WORKAROUND

You can determine the proper print character by looking up the number of the character in the your printer's documentation and entering the given number. The character may not appear properly on the screen, but it prints correctly.

NOTE: When using the Modern, Script, or Roman font built into Windows, use the ANSI higher-order character table instead of the OEM table. The Modern, Script, and Roman fonts are made as ANSI fonts only.

MORE INFORMATION

To enter an ANSI higher-order character, rather than an OEM character, press the ALT key while you type the number of the character on the keypad with a leading zero. For example, to enter OEM character 163 (that is, a "u" with an apostrophe over it on IBM PC), do the following:
  1. Press the NUMLOCK key.
  2. Press ALT+163.
  3. Release the ALT key and Press the NUMLOCK key.
To enter ANSI character 163 (English pound sign in Windows), do the following:
  1. Press the NUMLOCK key.
  2. Press ALT+0163.
  3. Release the ALT key and Press the NUMLOCK key.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/7/2005
Keywords:KB63746
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