sql server management console doesn't work with multi-byte characters

Question

I'm trying to work out how to use SQL server management studio properly with multi-byte unicode characters. even something as simple as:

select N'动漫'

just returns square boxes in the result pane. I know the underlying database is set up correctly to handle unicode and other apps on the PC work fine with chinese characters

any clues very much appreciated

Answer 1

Changing the font to Arial Unicode MS did the trick for me.

I don't understand why Text Results displays fine with Fonts where Grid Results does NOT, and why other Unicode Fonts don't work but oh well.

Answer 2

After many frustrating hours with this problem, I just discovered a solution (if not an explanation).

Changing the Query Results font had no effect on my system (Win 7 Enterprise, 64-bit).

After much Googling I discovered this: My Chinese Word Suddenly Appear As Square Box

In short: create a new Windows user account, then log in as that user - you should find that your Chinese characters display correctly. Now log in to your original account, and you should find this also now displays Chinese characters correctly.

So creating the new account has the effect of fixing the behaviour for both (possibly all?) accounts. Now - anyone have an explanation?