Keyboard Shortcut for Unicode (hex)

[martiniextradry]

How do I enter a symbol with the keyboard when it's a Unicode?

I know how to do ASCIIs (by holding Alt and typing it's four digit code) but I now need to enter a 1/8 symbol which is Unicode 215B.

Anyone know if it can be done?

Mart

 

[RoryA]

Which OS are you using? On Windows XP it can be done with a registry tweak if you're comfortable with that?

 

[martiniextradry]

I'm using XP but the phrase 'registry tweak' scares me!

 

[RoryA]

Well without it, I think you are stuck using the Character Map program to copy and paste special symbols. Most of the shortcuts that work in word processing apps don't seem to work in Excel. I'll give you the tweak anyway and you can decide whether to use it!
1. Open the registry editor (Start-Run, type 'Regedit' without the quotes and press Enter)
2. Navigate to (and select) HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Input Method and you will probably see two keys in the right hand pane ((Default) and 'Show status')
3. Choose Edit-New-String Value from the menu, name the key EnableHexNumpad, then double click it and change the Value to 1.
4. Reboot.
Now in Excel you should be able to hold down Alt and type + on the number keypad followed by 215b and then release Alt.
HTH

 

[RoryA]

For an easier method, copy and paste the following into Notepad, save it as tester.reg and then double-click it in explorer:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Input Method]
"EnableHexNumpad"="1"

 

[martiniextradry]

Rorya. You are a genius! That has worked perfectly. Thank you VERY much.

Mart

 

[RoryA]

Rorya. You are a genius! That has worked perfectly. Thank you VERY much.

Mart

I am, it's true.
Glad to help.

 

[DeWitch]

Will this work in Windows 7?

For an easier method, copy and paste the following into Notepad, save it as tester.reg and then double-click it in explorer:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Input Method]
"EnableHexNumpad"="1"