keyboard is typing different characters : @ becomes an '

Question

Hi, can anyone explain how or why my keyboard has suddenly started producing an exclamation mark when I typed an @

I have swapped keyboards and it still does it. It means that I can't access anything which requires my or someone else's email. 

I would be glad of help please. It is an up to date Dell desk top using Windows 8.

Jinxy13, using my IPad

Answer 1

This means your keyboard is set to UK English instead of US English.  You can change it in Control Panel:

Right-click Start button, go to Control Panel then go to Region options and Change keyboard:

Answer 2

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft forums.

From the issue description, I understand that the keyboard is typing wrong characters. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused to you. We will help you to resolve the issue.

What is the make and model of the keyboards?

Let’s diagnose the issue using On-Screen Keyboard.

Use the On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) to type.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/type-with-the-on-screen-keyboard

If the issue still persists, Refer to these methods in the order in which they are presented and check.

Follow the steps to change or reset the keyboard layout:

a. Press Windows+R keys and type “intl.cpl”. Hit Enter. It will open Region window.

b. Go to "Administrative" tab and click on "Change system locale" button.

c. Select the correct language and country from the drop-down box.

d. Now, navigate to the location tab and check if region settings are appropriate.

e. Apply the changes and Windows will require a reboot.

Check if that fixes the issue. If not, proceed to the next method.

Hope this helps.

Please post back with the status of the issue and we will be glad to assist you further.

Answer 3

Hi Cmdr

Thanks for the reply. it is UK English that I was on and I am in the UK. Tried what you said including putting the American keyboard settings on? No joy. Still get an " for every @. Have swapped user accounts and used two different keyboards. Tried in Word but it was the same.

frustrating. Any more thoughts. If not thanks for your help.

jinxy13