Adding support for Euro Currency Character
By: Arie Slob
Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems have to be updated to support the new euro currency symbol that will begin replacing national currencies in most Western European countries on January 1, 1999.
Microsoft released the final Windows 95 euro product update. (Localized versions of Windows 95 euro product update are also available). If you downloaded any euro support files before 12th November 1998, download the final update from Microsoft (English Language Version - 2.2MB).
The following fonts will have support for the euro after installing the euro product update:
- Arial
- Arial Black
- Comic Sans MS
- Courier New
- Impact
- MS Sans Serif
- Tahoma
- Times New Roman
- Verdana
Check this page for Localized versions of the Windows 95 euro product update.
More information can be found at the Microsoft Web site.
Printing the euro symbol
Even with operating system support, problems may arise while printing the euro symbol if built-in printer fonts do not support the symbol. When a font is present on both the printer and the computer, the font in the printer will be used by default to increase printing speed. If the printer font is not updated to include the euro, a box will be printed instead of the euro symbol.
Applications can work around this problem by sending a bitmapped image of the euro to the printer, or by not using the printer's built-in fonts (if allowed).
Microsoft also publishes some information on Office applications and the euro.
Microsoft has a Microsoft Euro Currency Resource Center on the Euro which delves beyond simply explaining what the Euro is. It offers practical guidelines on how to scope out potential problems and determine your next steps.