Err Msg: "! Invalid Character Setting" in Expression Field (81059)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word for Windows 2.0
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 2.0a
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 2.0b
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 2.0c
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0a
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0c
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 95 7.0a
  • Microsoft Word for Windows NT 6.0
  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q81059

SYMPTOMS

You receive the following error as the result of a Word Expression field:
! Invalid Character Setting

CAUSE

You specified an incorrect character as a decimal or list separator in Regional Settings (International in Windows 3.x) in the Windows Control Panel.

The characters you use for a list separator and decimal separator are set for all Windows-based applications under the Regional Settings or International icons in the Windows Control Panel. The characters used by default depend on the Country settings you select. Some characters are invalid as list or decimal separators. The invalid characters vary depending on the country setting. For example, when you set the Country to United States, any character other than a period is invalid as a decimal separator.

Note: This error may also occur as the result of an incorrect or blank Currency Format or Number Format setting.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, choose the appropriate method depending on which operating system you are using.

Windows 95, Windows NT 4.0

  1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click the Regional Settings icon and then click the Number tab.
  3. In the Decimal Symbol box, type a valid character. For example, if the country is set to United States, type a period.
  4. In the List Separator box, type a valid character. For example, if the country is set to United States, type a comma.
  5. Click Apply.
  6. Click OK.

Windows 3.x, Windows for Workgroups 3.x, Windows NT 3.5x

  1. In Windows Program Manager, double-click the Main icon.
  2. Double-click the Control Panel.
  3. Double-click the International icon.
  4. In the List Separator box, type a valid character. For example, if the country is set to United States, type a comma.
  5. In the Number Format box, click the Change button. In the Decimal Separator box, type a valid character. For example, if the country is set to United States, type a period.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Click OK again.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Windows User's Guide," version 3.0, pages 182, 186 "Microsoft Word for Windows User's Guide," version 2.0, pages 306-311, 749
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/16/2005
Keywords:kbtable KB81059
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