Shift + number keys not giving expected symbols

Anonymous
2011-02-13T08:03:49+00:00

At first, I thought my new keyboard was messed up. So I switched from the brand new one back to my old one. And I still have the same problem. Whwn I hold down the SHIFT and 2 key on my keyboard, it suppossed to make the @ sign right

It doesnt.. instead it makes this " (a paranthesis). Same with Shift and 3 keyboard, it makes a slash instead of the usual number sign.

Still, if I wanna make the at sign, I gotta hold down ALT and then key 2... see... @

As for a question mark key... I cant even get that to work. Something is messed up here, and its really annoying. I need my old ways of typing back. Can anyone help me thanks in advance.

Dan

*original title - Just bought a brand new HP computer.. came with Windows 7. My Shift Key wont work...*

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2011-02-13T11:10:38+00:00

Sounds as if you have selected an input language other than English. Control Panel, Region and Language; also check to see if your new keyboard has a language selection available that may need to be changed.


<Nintendan> wrote in message news:*** Email address is removed for privacy ***...

At first, I thought my new keyboard was messed up. So I switched from the brand new one back to my old one. And I still have the same problem. Whwn I hold down the SHIFT and 2 key on my keyboard, it suppossed to make the @ sign right

It doesnt.. instead it makes this " (a paranthesis). Same with Shift and 3 keyboard, it makes a slash instead of the usual number sign.

Still, if I wanna make the at sign, I gotta hold down ALT and then key 2... see... @

As for a question mark key... I cant even get that to work. Something is messed up here, and its really annoying. I need my old ways of typing back. Can anyone help me thanks in advance.

Dan

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-06-18T14:32:16+00:00

    Nintendan wrote:

    At first, I thought my new keyboard was messed up. So I switched from the brand new one back to my old one. And I still have the same problem. Whwn I hold down the SHIFT and 2 key on my keyboard, it suppossed to make the @ sign right

    It doesnt.. instead it makes this " (a paranthesis). Same with Shift and 3 keyboard, it makes a slash instead of the usual number sign.

    Still, if I wanna make the at sign, I gotta hold down ALT and then key 2... see... @

    As for a question mark key... I cant even get that to work. Something is messed up here, and its really annoying. I need my old ways of typing back. Can anyone help me thanks in advance.

    Dan

          Check your input method & language under the Control Panel's

    Regional and Language Options.  It sounds like you're using the wrong

    version of English for your location.


    Bruce Chambers

    Help us help you:

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

    http://www.officeforlawyers.com/howask.htm

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    They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

    Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

    only change the input language from united kingdom to US

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-10-01T03:16:19+00:00

    I had the exact same problem. None of the combinations suggested like CTRL ALT SHIFT, etc worked.

    Simple solution: on your taskbar, at the bottom right corner of your screen, you can find ENG/US or ENG/UK beside the date and time. Click on it and select your preferred option.

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-12-20T02:45:57+00:00

    The solution is quite simple just hold down the shift key and press the ALT key and you should be good to go. I have had this problem many times, the result of fat fingers.

    Ken

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-01-06T20:11:48+00:00

    thank you .. it worked.

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