Cannot Set Separator in Regional Settings Tool to Null

• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you try to set the list separator or digit-grouping symbol to a null character, you receive one of the following error messages:

   One or more of the characters you typed in this field are invalid. Try
   typing different characters.

   One or more of the characters you typed for Grouping Symbol are
   invalid. Try typing different characters.

CAUSE

The Windows NT 4.0 user interface does not allow you to set the list separator or digit-grouping symbol to null using the Regional Settings tool in Control Panel.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use the following steps.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe) and go to the following subkey:

         HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\International 
   

2. Edit the following values:

         sThousand (for the digit-grouping symbol)
         sList (for the list separator)
   

3. Double-click the value you want to change, delete the current setting (which is a comma by default), and click OK. This sets the value to null.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT Version 4.0. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.