how do I access the signs above the numbers on my keyboard as its an american keyboard . the@ is shift key + 2

Answer 1

Windows xp.

Click start
Click on control panel
Click on classic view
Click on Regional and language options
Click on languages.
Click on details.
Click on add.
Click on English UK.
Click on OK.
Click on English US.
Click on Remove.
Click on Apply.
Click on OK.

Answer 2

It thinks that it is in UK mode, the long way is to go into "My Computer" - "Control Panel" and "Regional Settings", change the keyboard setting back to "English US".
There is a shortcut which usually works
Press Left-Arrow, + Alt, + Shift at the same time - each time you do this, it cycles through your available keyboards, try it once - it should work first time.

Answer 3

Click on 'Start'
Goto 'Control Panel'
Make sure your Control Panel is set to 'Classic View'
Double click 'Regional & Language Options'
Click on the 'Languages' tab (center tab)
Click the 'Details' button
Click on 'Add' and select English (United Kingdom) from the top drop down box
Click 'Ok'
Click on 'US' and click remove
Select English (United Kingdom) in the drop down box
Click 'Ok'
Ok the error message and make sure Regional Options is set to UK as well.
Click 'Ok' and close down Control Panel.

Reboot the machine :)