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Q82202: The Right ALT Key and the US-International Keyboard Layout

Article: Q82202
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): WINDOWS:3.0,3.0a,3.1,3.11
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 27-SEP-1999

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1, 3.11 
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SUMMARY
=======

When you run Microsoft Windows in real (3.0 only), standard, or 386 enhanced
mode with the US-International keyboard layout, the right ALT key functions
differently or not at all.

With the US-International keyboard layout, the right ALT key is remapped for
international functionality. The left ALT key can (and should) be used for
Windows commands.

MORE INFORMATION
================

To check the Windows keyboard layout, do the following:

1. From the Main group, choose the Control Panel icon.

2. Choose the International icon.

The international settings are displayed. In the Keyboard Layout box, check for
the US-International setting.

Problems with the right ALT key in Windows and the US-International keyboard
layout include:

- Pressing ALT does not highlight the first menu on the menu bar.

- Pressing ALT+SPACEBAR does not open the Control menu.

- Press ALT+F4 does not bring up the Exit Windows dialog box.

- Pressing ALT+ESC brings up the Task List instead of cycling through the open
  application windows and icons.

- Pressing ALT+ENTER (in 386 enhanced mode only) switches an MS-DOS application
  between full screen and a window but does not switch the application from a
  window to full screen. Also, after you press the right ALT key and then press
  ENTER, the left ALT key and ENTER do not work.

If the US-International keyboard layout is used, the left ALT key functions
normally and can be used for Windows commands.

Additional query words: 3.00 3.00a 3.10 3.0 3.0a 3.1 3.11

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWin3xSearch kbZNotKeyword3 kbWin300 kbWin300a kbWin310 kbWin311
Version           : WINDOWS:3.0,3.0a,3.1,3.11

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