Unicode characters - I can't type them in Word

[gracem]

Up until today I could type unicode characters. Suddenly I can't. I type the unicode (examples 2153) then Alt X but nothing happens. I've read extensively on the web and tried all the options there (like making sure sticky keys isn't active). Can you help?

[macropod]

Have you tried repairing the Office installation (via Start > Windows Control Panel > Programs > Programs & Features > Microsoft Office (version) > Change>Repair)?

[gracem]

Thank you so much for your quick response. I just completed what you suggested and rebooted. The problem is still there. Any other thoughts?

[macropod]

Have you done anything that might have re-assigned/deleted the Alt-x keyboard shortcut? Have you checked that the NumLock key is 'on'?
What happens if you type Alt-8531? It should give ⅓ - the same result as 2153, Alt-x.

[gracem]

I haven't done anything that I know of to reassign the Alt X key ... I just checked in Word to see what would happen if I tried to assign Alt X to something and Word gave me the prompt that it is assigned to the "Prefix key." Is this correct? (Do you know?) I left it as is. Should I change something or can I "reassign" the Alt X to the Prefix Key.
I looked through the "All Commands" in Word

>File>Options>Customize Ribbon>Keyboard Shortcuts>Categories>All Commands>>> and checked for Prefix Shortcuts (it wasn't there)
Checked for Shortcuts and Tools Prefix Shortcuts and Tools Shortcuts
and it wasn't there

I use a lot of keyboard shortcuts and know how to assign them. When I type a hex code now (2153 Alt X) (The 1/3 symbol), the cursor freezes in the spot after 2153 and I have to hit the space bar (or any key) twice to "unfreeze" it. It's as if something gets stuck or doesn't register.

I have checked that the num lock key is on.

When I type Alt 8531 I get the 1/3 symbol which is what I need. (Thank you for telling me about this.) I prefer using the Alt keys (Alt 8531, Alt 0149, etc.) instead of the hex keys. However, when I go into Word and want symbols, not all the symbols show up in a typeface (such as Arial, Times Roman, etc.) unless I use the Hex setting. If I use the Ascii (Hex or Decimal) settings, the symbols don't even show up, and some symbols, like the 1/3 only have a hex code in Word. Is there a way I can get all the Alt symbols? (like 8531 which gives me the 1/3 symbol just as the 2153 Alt X used to). That would immediately solve my problem in another way.

I sure appreciate your help. I use a lot of symbols in my work and I have been trying different things, like creating them in Serif software and copy/pasting them into Word ... that's not efficient, I'm working at a snail pace instead of my usual pace. Thank you again for taking the time to help. Any other thoughts or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Gracem

[macropod]

When you went to File>Options>Customize Ribbon>Keyboard Shortcuts, was the 'Reset All' button greyed out? If not, that means one or more default Keyboard Shortcuts have been re-assigned. Clicking the 'Reset All' button will restore them to their defaults.

The fact pressing Alt-x freezes the cursor suggests some sort of conflict is occurring, perhaps with a 3rd-party addin. You might try starting Word in safe mode to see if the problem goes away; if it does, an addin is the most likely culprit.

Alt 8531 vs 2153 Alt,x, 8531 is just the decimal equivalent of Hex 2153, so you're getting the same character either way.

As for your frequent use of symbols, you might consider assigning the most-frequently used ones to keyboard shortcuts of their own.

[gracem]

I followed your suggestions and through additional trouble-shooting and research, I discovered that something in my Normal (global template) is corrupt. Creating a new one has fixed the problem. Thank you ever so much for all of your help. I really appreciate it.