How to Find Out If EM_SETPASSWORDCHAR Message DBCS Is Enabled

SUMMARY

EM_SETPASSWORDCHAR is enabled to use with DBCS characters. It displays two PASSWORD characters when one DBCS character is entered. For example, when the user enters one DBCS character, it displays two PASSWORD characters; if the user enters two DBCS characters, it displays four PASSWORD characters.

This means that one DBCS character needs two WM_CHAR when using EM_PASSWORDCHAR.

However, if the user uses the IME (IME is activated status) for input DBCS characters as personal PASSWORD strings, IME's interim-Windows are displayed normally. IME is using the interim-Windows to convert HIRAGANA into KANJI for the input of DBCS strings. When the IME is in this status, IME is hooking all the messages from keyboard drivers (WM_CHAR and WM_SYSKEYxxx).