[thedragon632]

I'm attempting to completely redo my sister's computer, so I formatted the hard drive and have been trying to re-install Windows XP. While trying, it would boot from CDROM and load the setup files, but when it gets to the page asking me to press enter to install, or R to repair, I thought the computer would freeze. However, after installing windows 95 and upgrading to 2000 (after many other attempts at other versions) I have discovered that the keyboard just stops working all together. If I reboot, I can hit DEL to enter setup, use the keyboard in the BIOS and if I use a boot disk and boot into DOS, I can type to my hearts content. But anytime I let the computer load windows the keyboard will not work at all. It is a PS/2 keyboard, I've tried 2 different ones, and the same problem occurs with both. I have checked for IRQ conflicts and cant find any. If I look in the control panel under keyboards and the hardware tab, absolutely nothing is listed. I don't think it's the PS/2 port(s) because the keyboard works when the pc isn't in Windows. I've done this many times before and have never ever seen this problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

EDIT: One other thing that may be handy: when upgrading from 95 to 2000, I was able to use the keyboard for most of the 2000 installation, but at the prompt to setup the network connection (domain/workgroup) it quit working again, but I was able to fudge my way through the install with my usb mouse.

[Advertisements]

Topic: Keyboard Issues
Date: 26th July- 2005

Hello – Need some info on system:
1- Did you upgrade motherboard?
2- What is Name – Model – CPU – Amount of RAM –Legacy USB Support
3- USB Support – (1.1) or (2.0) or (2.0+)

The last 2 words of your post: “USB MOUSE” may be the clue.

Although, You are using a PS2 Keyboard, the fact that you are using a USB mouse may be an issue here. That is why I need to know the info on your system. See if your Motherboard BIOS has LEGACY USB SUPPORT? I have seen issues when mixing USB & PS2 Input Devices. I will go into further details on a later post, but for now lets try 1 or 2 things to get the keyboard to work.

(1) – Is your Mouse a USB mouse or is it a HYBRID Mouse? Look at the bottom of mouse and see what is written. It should give you the: (1-) Name (2-) Model Number & it will either say: “USB Mouse” or “USB 2.0 and PS2 Compatible”. If it is USB 2.0 and PS2 Compatible, then it is a HYBRID MOUSE – You should have a - USB to PS2 – Adapter that came with the mouse.

Use that adapter and plug into the PS2 Mouse port – (only if it is a HYBRID). It will automatically configure itself as a PS2 mouse. Now you will have both your Input devices set as PS2.

(2) – If it is a USB mouse, can you obtain a PS2 mouse to temporarily use? If you can; try using the PS2 Mouse Port?

Now you may have to set BIOS on – with regard to:
(1) – Legacy USB Support –(Either Support or Disable)
(2) – USB settings to what Motherboard supports

Lets try this much for now
Jack123

[Jack123]

Topic: Keyboard Issues
Date: 26th July- 2005

Hello – Need some info on system:
1- Did you upgrade motherboard?
2- What is Name – Model – CPU – Amount of RAM –Legacy USB Support
3- USB Support – (1.1) or (2.0) or (2.0+)

The last 2 words of your post: “USB MOUSE” may be the clue.

Although, You are using a PS2 Keyboard, the fact that you are using a USB mouse may be an issue here. That is why I need to know the info on your system. See if your Motherboard BIOS has LEGACY USB SUPPORT? I have seen issues when mixing USB & PS2 Input Devices. I will go into further details on a later post, but for now lets try 1 or 2 things to get the keyboard to work.

(1) – Is your Mouse a USB mouse or is it a HYBRID Mouse? Look at the bottom of mouse and see what is written. It should give you the: (1-) Name (2-) Model Number & it will either say: “USB Mouse” or “USB 2.0 and PS2 Compatible”. If it is USB 2.0 and PS2 Compatible, then it is a HYBRID MOUSE – You should have a - USB to PS2 – Adapter that came with the mouse.

Use that adapter and plug into the PS2 Mouse port – (only if it is a HYBRID). It will automatically configure itself as a PS2 mouse. Now you will have both your Input devices set as PS2.

(2) – If it is a USB mouse, can you obtain a PS2 mouse to temporarily use? If you can; try using the PS2 Mouse Port?

Now you may have to set BIOS on – with regard to:
(1) – Legacy USB Support –(Either Support or Disable)
(2) – USB settings to what Motherboard supports

Lets try this much for now
Jack123

[thedragon632]

It turns out that the USB mouse was the problem. As soon as I plugged the mouse into the USB to PS/2 converter that came with the mouse, and then plugged the mouse into the PS/2 port, my problem was solved. Thanks for all your help.

[Jack123]

That is good to know. I am in the process of writing a paper/article on Keyboard Issues, and your problem fitted in. So I took time out to try one of my problem solving theories.

So sounds like your mouse is a Hybrid? That was an earlier article that I posted - Hybrid Mouse:

Topic: HYBRID MICE (USB/PS2 Mouse)
Date: 22 July – 2005

Hybrid Mice are those designed to plug into 2 types of Ports. There are (2 ) TYPES of Hybrids:
1- (USB or PS2) : The primary connector is generally a “hardwired” USB connector with
an adapter to PS2
2- (Serial or PS2): The primary connector is a “hardwired” serial connector, which is now
generally a (–9 pin DIN) or (older –25 pin ) with an adapter to PS2.

The mouse that is usually boxed in with a system, generally is either a USB or Serial or a PS2 mouse – NOT A HYBRID. The addition of a PS2 adapter does not make it a hybrid. The designed circuitry that detects the type of port which, it is connected to & automatically configures the mouse – make it a Hybrid.

The Hybrid mouse will state on the bottom of the mouse USB and PS2 Compatible or Serial / PS2 Compatible. The Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0 is a Hybrid Mouse. The rule of thumb is if the mouse did not come with a PS2 Adapter – It probably is not a Hybrid and will not work if NOT connected to the “hardwire” connector’s “native” port.

Keyboards will follow the same rule, but they have different / additional considerations and issues.

Another problem with, USB Mice & Keyboards are, they may not be functional until an USB-aware operating system is loaded. (Win-98-SE – Windows Me – XP – 2000 etc.) They may not function when running DOS; diagnostic software and could have difficulty Posting – “Legacy USB Support”/ BIOS Support is needed/required.

This will be another Topic: >>>for another post<<<<perhaps Keyboard issues>>>>>

Hope this sheds some light on mouse issue,
Jack123