ALT codes have stopped working

Help & Support
1

Hi

I seem to have done something this morning that changed the function of the ALT key when I use ALT codes to type accents (eg. ALT + 130 --> é).
It works correctly in the Firefox browser and works fine in Windows Explorer (file manager) but not in Directory Opus.

10 Mins before it cross-bred with something else, it was working normally but what happens now is:

  • I highlight a character to change in a filename (eg. e)
  • I hold down the ALT key and press "1" on the keypad
  • Instead of it waiting until I type the rest of the ALT code (eg. 30), it deselects that file and goes to the last file in the folder and highlights that.

A short time before it stopped working, I used the Opus Command Editor to add an term to my custom button to rename periods to spaces in filenames that are highlighted.

That addition does what it's supposed to do but I can't help thinking that ALT having a "command control" use and being in the Command Editor are related.

Any help to getting back the normal ALT functionality - with an idiot-proof instruction?
(Note: "ALT-click to edit Toolbar buttons" is not checked in Toolbar Preferences in case anyone was wondering, for any reason).

Thanks you.
:slight_smile:

2

If you undo/delete the toolbar change you made which seemed to make things stop working, do things start working again?

3

Hi, Leo

No, it doesn't make any difference.

I didn't intentionally make any other changes at all.

IS there a 1-click way to reset defaults without losing that customized button completely... and other customizations like folder colours?
Because it would take me a looooong (days) time to re-learn how to do them.
:frowning:

4

But this is how the ALT works in other combos:
ALT + 0 = nothing (waits)
ALT + 01 = as before (jumps to/highlights last file in THAT folder)
ALT + 2 = goes to and highlights the next file in THAT folder
ALT + 3 = as for ALT + 1
ALT + 4 = jumps to another HDD (which happens to be one I've been using today)
ALT + 5 = "works" -- changes selected letters oe --> :clubs: (playing card spade or clubs)
ALT + 6 = no change but ends (highlights that file name)

5

Do you have those keys configured as hotkeys in the Customize / Keys list?

6

Hi, Jon
No, I have minimal customization.

But I solved my own problem.
If I press NUM LOCK key and then later try to use the ALT codes, they work.

So, I guess pressing NUM LOCK accidentally this morning stuffed things up.

I don't understand WHY, but it works.
If I have further problems with it, I'll come back but I think I'm good now.

Thank you, Leo & Jon.
It was my bad.

:slight_smile:

7

Ok, now it's clear to me why ALT + 1 takes me to the end of the folder list.
And why ALT + 130 works as wanted, after enabling the NUM LOCK.

8

Leo:
This thread doesn't appear to relate to any Opus-specific problem.
Just my clumsiness as a 1-fingered typist.
I'm happy to see the thread removed completely.
And apologies for wasting your time.
:slight_smile: