[suniloneal34]

I have a Dell Dimension 4600 Desktop with Windows XP on it. When I start the computer it says Keyboard Failure, this is immediately on powering up. It powers up through and gets to Windows XP and I can use the computer fine. Once into Windows the keyboard does not work.

Steps I have taken so far with no success
1. Tried a different keyboard
2. Tried putting a p/s 2 (?) to USB converter on a keyboard and plugging it into a USB drive

I want to re-install XP etc my computer but I can't really log onto my main administrator user because it requires a password (and i can't type).
Any suggestions on what this could be a problem with, or how to fix it???

Thanks =)

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1. Tried a different keyboard

as in a different PS/2 keyboard? have you tried a USB keyboard? can you get into bios (usually f2 or del during bootup)?

[dsenette]

1. Tried a different keyboard

as in a different PS/2 keyboard? have you tried a USB keyboard? can you get into bios (usually f2 or del during bootup)?

[suniloneal34]

Yeah I tried a different PS/2 keyboard. I didn't try a "USB" keyboard but converted a PS/2 keyboard into a USB keyboard with the little green converter thing you can use. Shouldn't make a difference...if it did that would mean that the converter is faulty, not the computer (which is highly unlikely). I tried cleaning the inside of the computer as well just to make sure it wasn't some nonsense dust issue.

At this point it sounds like a keyboard controller failure? Meaning I am pretty much out of luck since that is part of the motherboard? No, I can't get into Bios or anything. At no time does it let me use the keyboard to do any input. It says "Keyboard Failure" right at the very beginning.

[dsenette]

At this point it sounds like a keyboard controller failure?

there's no such thing...there's a PS/2 port and a USB port...what you plug into them are irrelevant

I didn't try a "USB" keyboard but converted a PS/2 keyboard into a USB keyboard with the little green converter thing you can use. Shouldn't make a difference...if it did that would mean that the converter is faulty, not the computer (which is highly unlikely).

you would be surprised...those are usually the FIRST thing i throw in the trash...those go bad ALL the time and for no apparent reason...

if you can get your hands on a USB keyboard and try it in the system it would be helpful

[suniloneal34]

I'll give it a shot, i'm sure one of my friends has a USB keyboard i can test out. The USB converter is brand new though...so that is why I thought that it was probably not the problem. If it makes any difference, there is an LED A B C D on the back on my Dell right above the PS/2 keyboard and mouse inputs. It eventually the ABCD are all green lighted (as opposed to orange i guess) so it doesn't seem like there should be a keyboard controller problem. Might give Dell a call and see if they can shed any light on that.

[123Runner]

As per your manual, all green lites indicate a fully operational computer.

Dell 4600 Manual

[suniloneal34]

Well have gone through imaginable scenario at this point. Even took apart the comp, took out the lithium battery, powered up for a min, turned off, replugged in and still same error. At this point, seems like a new motherboard is the only option. I think I am just going to spring for a new computer. Had this one for a good 6 years or so...

[gameboy x]

i have the same error. i've got a dell dimension 4600. i get the same keyboard failure message but i can press f8 to start the computer in safe mode. the up and down arrows work fine there too. but once i get to the log in screen any key i hit freezes the keyboard and mouse. my cursor still blinks but that's it. i've reverted to the on-screen keyboard but my index finger is beginning to go numb. if you have any advice or suggestions i will be highly appreciative.