Python, Unicode, and the Windows console

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When I try to print a Unicode string in a Windows console, I get an error .

UnicodeEncodeError: "charmap" codec can"t encode character ....

I assume this is because the Windows console does not accept Unicode-only characters. What"s the best way around this? Is there any way I can make Python automatically print a ? instead of failing in this situation?

Edit: I"m using Python 2.5.

Note: @LasseV.Karlsen answer with the checkmark is sort of outdated (from 2008). Please use the solutions/answers/suggestions below with care!!

@JFSebastian answer is more relevant as of today (6 Jan 2016).

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