Missing keyboard : XP Home SP2.

[javman01]

My Computer->Properties->Hardware->Device Manager :
--> No "Keyboards" section

Contro Panel->Keyboards->Hardware tab :
--> No Devices listed, just an empty box

A friend asked me to look at his computer, because he was having
keyboard problems, it wasn't working. Sure enough, the keyboard does
not work. Different keyboards don't either.

From what my friend says, I believe a USB keyboard will work only after bootup. This is a problem, because in order to upgrade or re- install the OS, you get that blue screen that say's[after auto-reboot]

+++++++++++++++++++++++
Welcome to Setup
* To set up Windows XP now, press ENTER
* To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press
R
* To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3
==> ENTER
+++++++++++++++++++++++

No keyboard here = stuck !

---- MORE INFO ----

--> MS Registry entries look good.
--> Correct sys/inf files are in correct directories

Could this be the Motherboard somehow not seeing the standard onboard
connector in back ?

I have also posted this in microsoft.public.hardware, before I noticed
this area.

Any help appreciated. -Jim

 

[John John]

Look at the keyboard options in the BIOS.

John

My Computer->Properties->Hardware->Device Manager :
--> No "Keyboards" section

Contro Panel->Keyboards->Hardware tab :
--> No Devices listed, just an empty box

A friend asked me to look at his computer, because he was having
keyboard problems, it wasn't working. Sure enough, the keyboard does
not work. Different keyboards don't either.

From what my friend says, I believe a USB keyboard will work only after bootup. This is a problem, because in order to upgrade or re- install the OS, you get that blue screen that say's[after auto-reboot]

+++++++++++++++++++++++
Welcome to Setup
* To set up Windows XP now, press ENTER
* To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press
R
* To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3
==> ENTER
+++++++++++++++++++++++

No keyboard here = stuck !

---- MORE INFO ----

--> MS Registry entries look good.
--> Correct sys/inf files are in correct directories

Could this be the Motherboard somehow not seeing the standard onboard
connector in back ?

I have also posted this in microsoft.public.hardware, before I noticed
this area.

Any help appreciated. -Jim

 

[javman01]

Hi, thanks for the reply...

Is there a way to get into BIOS without keyboard? Pressing the Del/F8/
F10 key, won't work since keyboard is not fucntional.

BTW : I've tried one of those ps/2 --> Serial connectors with no luck.

Occasionaly, with the keyboard plugged in, the mouse will freeze up at
the touch of any key on the keyboard.
Example: Open Notepad->move mouse around->hit any key->Mouse freezes.
Hard boot required.

Personally, i think its just causing a 'cross-signal' on the MoBo
somewhere as opposed to the MoBo recognizing that a Keyboard key was
pressed. I'm not sure, which is why I'm posting. Thanks for the help.

-Jim

 

[John John]

If you have tried different keyboards and can't get it to work to even
enter the BIOS then you will have to take it to a competent computer
repair shop. The only other thing that I would try would be to remove
the CMOS battery or use the jumper to reset the BIOS to its default
settings and then see if things change.

John

 

[javman01]

Well, looks like we're in business.

Thanks a bunch. I was very doubtful that this would not be a solution.

That said, I am aware that I don't know everthing, so if someone goes
to through the trouble of replying to a post:

1. Try it [if possible].
2. Post results

These results are good

Thanks again. -Jim

 

[John John]

You're welcome... even if I'm not exactly sure what it is that you did
to fix the problem. Did you change the keyboard? Reset the BIOS? Drop
the computer out of a second floor Window?

John

 

[javman01]

Sorry, John,

I did two things, but I'm willing to bet(and I could be wrong again),
that the BIOS was at fault.

First, I unplugged two add on prepherals that were not factory. These
were not recently added, so i doubt they were the culprits.

Second,
--> I unplugged the machine, removed the MoBo battery, set the BIOS
jumper to prongs 1&2 for about 15 minutes.
--> Removed the jumper, plugged the battery in, started the machine.
--> Nothing but fans running.
--> Whoops, Shut it down, put BIOS jumper back on 2&3, restart with
keyboard plugged in normal ps/2 area ....

[non-eMachine] Keyboard worked.

-Jim

 

[John John]

Thanks for the follow-up.

John