First install the missing packages : apt-get install console-data apt-get install console-tools apt-get install kbd then execute: dpkg-reconfigure console-data and you can set the keyboard map. Remember that the keyboard map nets not only to match your actual keyboard Layout but also the keyboard-map set in your windows control-panel and in case of 32-bit-windows that of language set for 16-bit applications. Setting the keyboard map will enable you to copy-and-paste into the console including the correct special characters.--ollinaie