Alt key code problem [it was hardware problem, solved with change of keyboard]

[Vion]

I'm having a problem using alt key codes (for French letters) as shown here: https://www.translatum.gr/forum/index.php?topic=28758.0
I never had trouble with this in the past, but I can't get it to work now. Alt + 0233 gives me an !  alt + 0234 gives me a " -  so something is wrong...
(Windows 7, MS Office 2007)
Thanks for any ideas :)

[spiros]

Does CTRL+' (APOSTROPHE)+ the letter work?

[Vion]

Yes, that works in Word.

[spiros]

Then no reason to use Alt keys.

[Vion]

It gives only the accent aigu ´ no grave `  or circonflexe ˆ. It must be a setting somewhere...

[spiros]

Do these work?
CTRL+` (ACCENT GRAVE), the letter
CTRL+SHIFT+^ (CARET), the letter

[Vion]

Ah yes, it works :)

[Vion]

If I go to insert symbol → more symbols in Word, it displays the old familiar key combinations (e.g. alt + 0233), but they no longer work :(  Must be some update.

Progress.

[spiros]

Well, I still do not see the reason why you want to use ALT keys when the same can be achieved, in an easier way, with different shortcuts.

Have a look here:
Special symbols with Alt+ number pad - not working on my laptop (Office applications)
https://www.warlight.net/Forum/43758-typing-accents-work-computer

[Vion]

These commands used to work in Notepad and browsers. Now they do not and neither does the Ctrl version, so it's not a problem in Office, but in Windows I think. 

[Vion]

Update :) All is good again! After searching in the most unlikely places... this was a keyboard malfunction plain and simple.  My numpad 2, 5 and 8 keys were dead. Luckily, I have another keyboard of the same type.