why can't we add symbols such as alpha, beta, to the form fields? or other scientific symbols

[Jack-of-all-traits]

I cut out some data (strings) from a word document and placed them into
my memo field in the form, but noticed the alpha symbol changed to a
square box. This seems to happen with any unusual symbols that appear
in the original text such as greek letters or scientific literature.

There are several greek alphabet symbols used in science to describe
variables, and objects, including equations such as E= mc (superscript 2).
or beta-cyclomextol but the beta is a B greek symbol.

So how can I get access 2002 in xp pro to paste the symbols, do i have
to add something to it somehow like a language extension? how do I do
this, please help.

 

[John Nurick]

Hi Jack,

Access text and memo fields only store text. Unlike Word they don't
allow for any variation of formatting within the text. Probably the
symbols in your Word document were created with the Insert Symbol
command, or perhaps by formatting the individual characters in a
different font from the body text (e.g. Symbol).

To get round this in Access, you the simplest way is to use a Unicode
font that contains all the characters and symbols you need. For example,
the "Lucida Sans Unicode" font, which is part of most modern Windows
installations, contains among others Western European, Central European,
Greek, and many mathematical symbols. If you use the same font in Word,
text and symbols should copy and paste between the two OK.

Alternatively - but it's more complicated - you can store RTF
(formatted text) strings in Access and use a rich text control on a form
to display them.