Could you explain the step by step procedure for creating short cut keys in MS Word? (Version Office XP)?

Question

I have Windows XP and Office XP. For typing some of the characters, I have to press Alt and then put a code number while working in a MS Word file. I understand that if can make shortcut keys. For example, we press F1, we can get the character which we usually get by pressing Alt and a certain code.

I'd be thankful if you could explain the step by step procedure for doing so. I think we have to go to Insert and then to Symbol. I just could not get success. Please sugget keeping in view that I have Office XP. Thank you

Answer 1

This should walk you through the steps:

1. Select Insert > Symbol.
2. Find the symbol you want. Select it, but don't click OK yet.
3. Near the bottom left corner of the dialog box, click the Shortcut Key button.
4. Your cursor should be in the field "Press new shortcut key." Press the key combination you want. For example, if you want it to be Alt+X, press those two keys at the same time. The trick is that you have to actually do the shortcut you want; you can't type in the letters A L T for the Alt key.
5. To make the shortcut available in all documents, be sure that Save Changes in: is set to Normal.dot.
6. Click Assign.
7. Click Close.

Let me know if you have any more trouble. (By the way, thank you so much for specifying which version you have and making your question clear! This makes it so much easier!)

Answer 2

In Word, press the shift key 5-6 times in a row. You will get a pop up called Sticky keys. This has a Settings menu where you can set certain combinations of keys to print whatever symbol you choose.

Answer 3

From the Horses'Mouth so to speak... step-by-step
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HP051867041033.aspx

Off Topic Slightly...
Here is a great resource for Short cut keys in Office and other How to's in office
http://www.ddmcomputing.com/office/office_skeys.htm#top