Japanese IME

[Ashok]

A very basic question from a beginner of Japanese language:
(Environment: Windows XP, Office 2003)
How do I convert already typed Hiragana/Katakana/Kanji to a different
script? I know how to do it while typing but can I do it by selecting a block
of typed text?

 

[Pat Willener]

A very basic question from a beginner of Japanese language:
(Environment: Windows XP, Office 2003)
How do I convert already typed Hiragana/Katakana/Kanji to a different
script? I know how to do it while typing but can I do it by selecting a block
of typed text?

I am not sure if this is possible - I have certainly never been able to
do it. However, IME Help mentions editing converted characters, but I
couldn't figure out how to do this.

Thinking about how the Japanese IME works, I can actually not imagine
that this is possible at all. You know, once a kanji character is
placed into the text, the IME cannot "remember" how it was input (what
hiragana characters were used). So if for example you have "æ±" - is it
"tÅ" or "higashi", or whatever other readings apply here?

I think that you have to re-type it to invoke the dictionary again.