I am trying to type the @ symbol using my Eee pc 701sd notebook keyboard. When I press the shift key and the @ symbol it does not type the @ symbol. Instead it just types the apostrophe symbol which is in the same key. what am I doing wromg?

There is no "tm" symbol key on a keyboard, you need to enter an ALT key to type the trademark symbol.
Hold down the "ALT" key while typing 0153 and it will enter this: ™ when you release the ALT key

try pressing fn+ f 5, that may work

On these keyboards, the non colored symbols are typed by holding down the shift key and tapping the symbol. If you want to type the colored key, then you have to hold down the Alt Gr key and tap the colored symbol key.

There are 2 ways to install xp on eeepc.

1) Use usb flash drive 2gb minimum

2) Use usb CD-ROM if you have one.

There is nothing you can do with stuck key/s, the keyboard needs to be replaced.
Replacement keyboards are available from stores on the Internet (not very expensive), I purchased keyboards from Yall Store WEB site - use this link :-
http://www.yallstore.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&zenid=1lrjst3ncshlb4c7frn9bev3c3&keyword

Try opening a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+t) and type the following:

sh startsimple.sh

and press enter. It worked for me, hope it will for you!

Shut it down (not hibernate), remove power supply and remove battery. Wait 30 seconds before reinserting battery. Boot the system.

In this doesn't solve the issue, your keyboard might be dirty. In that case you should clean it. Be careful if you choose to use a vacuum cleaner that you take measures to prevent your keys from getting into the vacuum cleaner.

Try the "Alt Gr" key instead of shift.

The at symbol on an azerty keyboard should be on the same key as the "2". Press shift+2

Use shift key NOT Function