My computer guy had to delete a lot of MS updates because they totally messed up my computer and my Word 2007 did not work at all. I could not open new documents or access any of my stored documents. It is fixed now. However, I can no longer do this:

While pressing down the ALT key, type the code on the numeric key pad at the right edge of the keyboard.
Release the ALT key. The character will appear when the ALT key is released.

Is there some way to restore this function to my Word?

Your description suggests your 'computer guy' messed up as much as he fixed - and not for the first time. Every one of your threads has concerned problems your system has had after your 'computer guy' has had a go at it. There's a message there, somewhere.

The Alt-number pad coding is at the Windows system level; not Word/Office. Hence the problem is with your operating system.

At most, all Office 2007 should have required is a repair; as for the Windows problem, a System Restore is all that should have been required. There's no telling what might be required after the latest efforts by your 'computer guy'; you might try running the System File Checker from a command prompt, as:
sfc /scannow

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

Thanks. How do I do that? I do not have the money to pay some expensive person for computer help. I am a retired senior on low SS income.

Did you run the System File Checker as instructed?

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

I do not know how to do that. I am a computer moron

Time you started learning. Do a web search on Windows Command Prompt, to see how to get one running.

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

Thank you very much. I will do that.

Are you pressing the Numlock key first before using the Alt + keys?
My example below is pressing the Numlock key, then pressing the Alt + 1 + 4 + 6 keys.
On releasing the Alt key, I get this 'result'.

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files

Thanks, Moonshine. I never had to do that before. Should the green light be on or off when I press "NumLock"? I have tried it both ways and neither one works.

I think it is fair to say that any key that has a visual indicator associated with it, when the indicator is lit up, it tells the user the function of that key is on and active.

What exactly are you trying to type - using the Numlock + Alt + numerical keys on the pad allows a user to get Special Characters (Alt Codes)

Have a look at this link:

Special Characters — Alt Keyboard Sequences

https://tools.oratory.com/altcodes.html

Scroll to the bottom of the page see how to use this function.

I have that list of characters from before. What I just tried to do, and it did not work, was use the "degree" symbol for a recipe I was sharing. Do I have to hold down ALT and NUMLOCK at the same time? I know I am stupid, but I have only had my own computer for a few years.

To clarify, using the ‘Numlock/Numpad’ method of inserting a Special Character (degree sign °), the Numlock key is pressed once – an indicator light or other visual display may show its status.
The Alt key is then pressed and held down while pressing the keys to show the degree sign or other character associated with the keys pressed. The character reqd is only displayed on screen when the Alt key is released.
The keys 248 &/or 0176 can be used along with the Alt key to get the degree sign.
The Numlock key can now be pressed to de-activate it. Any visual display will disappear.
The above is under normal conditions.



There are other ways to get the special Characters in Word. Inserting Symbols and using the Character Map for example.
Use your favourite Search Engine to find results.

You could even type the letter o
Highlight it, then press the Ctrl + Shift + = keys.
This of course is just a shortcut to a superscript letter and technically not a degree sign/symbol.