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Typesetting: en and em dash

Anonymous
2022-12-07T16:34:38+00:00

**I'm using the Microsoft Ergonomic keyboard, in case that useful information.**

I've had a setting change on my keyboard and I can't for the life of me figure it out. Help!

I used to be able to type an en dash (–) [alt + 0150] by pressing [ctrl + NUM - ]. Today when I logged onto my computer, suddenly this function is gone, and [ctrl + NUM - ] now zooms out.

Similarly, I used to be able to type an em dash (—) [alt + 0151] by pressing [ctrl + shift + NUM - ]. This sequence now does nothing.

I've tried toggling the NUM lock on/off, tried toggling the SCR lock on/off, tried restoring the original settings of the keyboard, tried disconnecting it and connecting it again... nothing will make this ctrl sequence work for me again.

Please help!! I'm doing typesetting on this computer, and I need to be able to access en and em dashes quickly. As you can see, I know the alt codes. They aren't convenient to use repeatedly.

TIA!

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-12-08T16:10:55+00:00

    Hi Manson,

    Thanks for your reply! I did try to resolve this issue in the Mouse and Keyboard center, but the only key mapping customization settings that I found related to the My Favourites or Function keys, or else they were app-specific. Is there a way to customize other shortcuts?

    When I started at this work station last week, somehow this capability was programmed. I'm not sure who managed to do it or how they did it, and as far as I know I didn't make any changes to any settings. This is really stumping me!

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-12-09T01:29:43+00:00

    May I ask if "My Favourites or Function keys" you mentioned is the relevant shortcut in Microsoft Edge?

    In fact, I think the problem you are facing may be related to two points.

    1. The keyboard map has been changed (including custom keys)
    2. Some applications have dedicated custom key combinations

    First, I noticed that you tried to restore the keyboard's original Settings. It's not clear if you tried the registry modification method.

    Here's how:

    Click "regedit" on the taskbar and open "Registry Editor"

    Find the path:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout

    There is a key in this path called "Scancode Map" Please delete this key and restart your computer to see if you can customize the keyboard shortcut again.

    Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

    On the second question, you can try a clean boot, running only the services that come with your system, and see if eliminating the interference from third-party software makes a difference.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-12-08T05:56:08+00:00

    Hi Stephanie Toth，

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    I notice that you are using a Microsoft ergonomic keyboard. Do you use Microsoft Keyboard and Mouse Center to set the mapping of keyboard keys?

    If so, check to see if you have changed the key map. If not, You can visit Mouse and Keyboard Center download

    Click to download the x64-bit program, run Keyboard and Mouse Center, and it will detect your ergonomic keyboard and search for updates as well as provide the ability to change key mappings.

    In terms of EN dash and EM dash, since Alt code is an ACSII based code that comes with Windows 10, I'm more inclined to think the issue is keyboard related. You can try my suggestions, if you have any questions or feedback, please don't hesitate to let me know, I will continue to work with you to try to solve.

    Best Regards,

    Manson - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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