Preparing emails

[Coldicote]

I'm concerned to find that I cannot insert various symbols including fractions such as 3/4, 3/8, 7/8 etc. when preparing emails. I don't often need to but thought it should be possible by clicking the Insert tab. I'm using Outlook Express 6 which doesn't seem to make the provision. Do others find the same thing or have I a problem that can be solved?

[ChuckFickens]

The easiest way is probably to find the symbols you want in the character map (start > all programs > accessories > system tools) and copy/paste them into a text document... then when you need them copy and paste them from the text document into the email..

¼ ½ ¾ ⅓ ⅔ ⅛ ⅜ ⅝ ⅞

Or just put 7/8... everyone will know what you mean

[factor-fiction]

It’s an extra step but when I’m drafting an email that needs to be worded carefully or include special symbols (eg ⅖, ⅞) I do it in Word first then paste it in

[MarkRae]

Outlook Express is seriously out of date these days and hasn't been supported by Microsoft for years: http://support.micros...press&Filter=FilterNO

If / when you upgrade to something a little more up to date, you'll (almost) certainly find that this functionality is built in. E.g. when using Outlook 2010 and preparing an email in HTML format, typing 3/4 and then the space bar will convert those three characters into ¾ automatically...

[Coldicote]

Very many thanks for your comments and suggestions. It seems I am not alone and need to get updated.

[MarkRae]

What version of Windows are you using? I'm guessing it can't be any later than XP...

[Coldicote]

You're right MarkRae, I'm using Windows XP with Outlook Express 6. I've never used Outlook (rather than Outlook Express) and wonder if it might be worth changing over, but I hesitate because I don't know the difference between the two.

[ChuckFickens]

Unless you already have outlook the main difference is outlook costs money.

[factor-fiction]

Just testing

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[Coldicote]

I have available Outlook and Outlook Express (both old versions), but have never really explored Outlook. Having a brief look I find that preparing an email in Outlook does give access to symbols and fractions. Perhaps I’m being over-cautious about changing familiar settings, as I use the group system for sending out emails. I’m wondering if I would lose my familiar address list and groups if I changed from Outlook Express to Outlook as my default setting. Has anyone experienced this sort of change-over please?

[MarkRae]

Outlook has functionality to import address books (and other data) from various email clients, including Outlook Express:

http://www.google.co....4c5&biw=1920&bih=1109

[Coldicote]

Thank you MarkRae, I'll give it a try later on today.