Shift+3 '£ sign replaced by # sign'

[Zindel]

I am using Excel 2003 in the UK - where shift+3 is a pound sign (£)

However, occasionally (and seemingly randomly) Shift+3 produces a hash sign (#). I have researched many forums online and the common 'solution' is suggesting to check that the Microsoft Office local language setting is UK (and not US) however this is not the issue in this case.

I am aware that I can use accounting/currency formatting to get a pound sign £ but I need to be able to write a pound sign in a cell - which is impossible when I cannot type it using shift+3.

Any help on this appreciated...
Thanks
Z

 

[GlennUK]

Sometimes the keyboard setting reverts back to US ... after memory leaks or VBA crashes, or if the wind changes direction. If you close Excel and restart it, that should fix it.