WD: Wrong Character Inserted When You Insert Symbol in Word

ID: Q140174

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
• Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a

SYMPTOMS

When you try to insert a symbol, Word does not insert the correct character. For example, when you try to insert a round bullet, Word inserts a clock.

CAUSE

The Symbol font may be damaged, corrupt, or missing. When this font is not available, Word substitutes the Wingdings font. The character looks correct when you select it from the grid, but if the selected or default font is not available, Word substitutes the corresponding character from the Wingdings font.

Word makes this substitution based on the character's ANSI code. For example, both the clock (Wingdings font) and the round bullet (Symbol font) are represented by the same ANSI code, ALT+0183.

RESOLUTION

Remove and then reinstall the Symbol font, which is located on your Windows setup disks.

For more information about how to perform this task in Windows, see your Windows documentation.

Additional query words: font symbol incorrect wrong different character

Keywords          : winword word6 kbFont 
Version           : WINDOWS:6.0,6.0a,6.0c,7.0,7.0a
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: January 22, 1999