Hex Unicode input not working in Microsoft apps

Question

I am using Windows 8 pro 64 bit. I have my language set to English (Singapore locale).

I have input unicode text before with the method: hold [alt], [numeric plus]+[Unicode hex value]. While reporting this I decided to try to input the text in Google Chrome, in the url bar. Inputting for example "00b2" in Google's Chrome omnibar (the url bar) does work, producing "²" appropriately   — but I have to copy-paste that to get it in the text box here, since I am reporting this in Metro IE. The input method also works, rather comically, at the command prompt.

Recently I noticed that this is not working in many Microsoft applications. There appear to be two different ways that the input method misbehaves: either it inserts nothing, or it inserts the wrong Unicode character.

Metro IE has both behaviors: at the url bar it inserts nothing, but in text fields it inserts some other character (instead of the SUPERSCRIPT-TWO Unicode character "²", I get a dark smiley face: "☻").

Desktop IE: I get the dark smiley face both in text input fields and in the url bar.

WordPad: it inserts nothing.

Core Windows 8 Search feature: it does not work, although at least I get no input rather than the wrong Unicode character. Maps Tile app works perfectly though.

Using language tools (just a custom keyboard layout) I can input common characters like "æ" or "ā" without any issue, this is strictly about the hold [alt], [numeric plus]+[Unicode hex value] input method for Unicode characters.

I was told that this might just be a left over problem with IE, that the input method did not work with that app and was really a very old method — but reading about it online this is one of the three methods for inputting Unicode, and the only method that allows you to use the handy Hex value.

How can I get this fixed? The hex value is clearly the best way, because if you search for some Unicode character that is the first, and often enough only code point that is provided.

Answer 1

Method 4 worked well under Win7, but with Win8 it takes me to the Start Screen. I guess [alt]x has been re-employed.

Answer 2

Method 4 worked well under Win7, but with Win8 it takes me to the Start Screen. I guess [alt]x has been re-employed.

Sounds like your keyboard is generating a Win- when you press Alt-  and then not waiting for your X because Win-X would show you the new Command menu but pressing and releasing Win- would show you the Start Screen.  I don't know if the Win- is controllable by sticky keys but I suppose that would be a way to press Win- release it and then press X?  Are you pressing and holding the Alt-?  What happens in IE?  In IE11 Alt-x is equivalent to clicking on the new Tools button, at the top right.  Looks like activating Sticky keys could help you see a different symptom from your procedure.

Answer 3

Yipee, I've just solved it, prompted by your reply. I went to Start Menu 8, then Settings, then General Settings, then saw a "Switch to Metro" hotkey of Alt + X. That removed, I can now toggle unicode once more. I had been copy-pasting unicode characters since moving to Win8. So thanks 4 your reply.

Answer 4

I am used to typing accented letters (é) and symbols - like "¢" - by holding down the Alt key while typing the four-digit key code (hex code I think it is called) in the number pad area of the keyboard. For example, ¢ is Alt-0162. This worked in apps like Notepad, but not Microsoft Word.

I solved the issue on my own, and it wasn't anything to do with language or Control Panel settings. I discovered that the hex key worked in Word if I had the Num Lock key pressed. If Num Lock is not pressed, the hex code does a carriage return.

So the resolution, at least for me, is as simple as hitting the Num Lock key!