question, Ctrl-G worked but I'm wondering if there is a special way to examine the contents of the % register? According to :help @ @{0-9a-z".=*} Execute the contents of register {0-9a-z".=*} [count] times. Note that register '%' (name of the current file) and '#' (name of the alternate file) cannot be used. Is there a special way to echo its contents? I have edited the tip to clarify several points, including the above. That help is for executing registers and does not apply when a register is displayed or inserted. JohnBeckett 03:06, November 11, 2011 (UTC) Read more Often I have to insert only one character (typically a paren). Doesn't work when there is...