No "Keyboards" folder in Device Manager

[Martyn Tindall]

My friend has been given a computer (system box, monitor, keyboard &
mouse), but the keyboard no longer works following the move, during
which the components were unplugged.

I've had her look in the Device Manager and the "Keyboards" folder is
not present, nor is a keyboard named in Control Panel/Keyboard
Properties.

I'd be grateful for any advice as to how we can reaquaint the PC with
its keyboard. I've not seen the machine switched on, so I don't as
yet know which version of XP it's running.

TIA,

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

My friend has been given a computer...

A used computer? Was she given the CDs that came with the machine when it
was new?

 

[Elmo]

My friend has been given a computer (system box, monitor, keyboard &
mouse), but the keyboard no longer works following the move, during
which the components were unplugged.

I've had her look in the Device Manager and the "Keyboards" folder is
not present, nor is a keyboard named in Control Panel/Keyboard
Properties.

I'd be grateful for any advice as to how we can reaquaint the PC with
its keyboard. I've not seen the machine switched on, so I don't as
yet know which version of XP it's running.

The plugs may be reversed. Make sure the kb is in the proper port.

 

[Pegasus [MVP]]

My friend has been given a computer (system box, monitor, keyboard &
mouse), but the keyboard no longer works following the move, during
which the components were unplugged.

I've had her look in the Device Manager and the "Keyboards" folder is
not present, nor is a keyboard named in Control Panel/Keyboard
Properties.

I'd be grateful for any advice as to how we can reaquaint the PC with
its keyboard. I've not seen the machine switched on, so I don't as
yet know which version of XP it's running.

TIA,

You need to post much more important information, e.g.
- What kind of keyboard is it? PS2? USB?
- Has she tried a different keyboard?
- Or is it a laptop? If so, has she tried an external USB keyboard?

 

[Martyn Tindall]

You need to post much more important information, e.g.
- What kind of keyboard is it? PS2? USB?
- Has she tried a different keyboard?
- Or is it a laptop? If so, has she tried an external USB keyboard?

I'm trying to help over the 'phone at the moment. I'm assuming PS2,
and yes, she's tried the keyboard from her old machine.

Thanks,
MBT

 

[Martyn Tindall]

The plugs may be reversed. Make sure the kb is in the proper port.

Yes, quite - though she reckons to have tried swapping it about. I
just wish I had the thing in front of me instead of at the other end
of a 'phone!

Thanks,
MBT

 

[Martyn Tindall]

A used computer?
Yes.

Was she given the CDs that came with the machine when it
was new?

I sincerely hope so! (Haven't asked yet...).

Thanks,
MBT

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

A format & clean install would be your friend's best bet.

 

[Martyn Tindall]

A format & clean install would be your friend's best bet.

I would certainly want to do that if it were mine, but we were hoping
for a "quick fix". You say "format": is that because you suspect a
virus?

Regards,
MBT

 

[Jose]

My friend has been given a computer (system box, monitor, keyboard &
mouse), but the keyboard no longer works following the move, during
which the components were unplugged.

I've had her look in the Device Manager and the "Keyboards" folder is
not present, nor is a keyboard named in Control Panel/Keyboard
Properties.

I'd be grateful for any advice as to how we can reaquaint the PC with
its keyboard.  I've not seen the machine switched on, so I don't as
yet know which version of XP it's running.

TIA,

Are you sure there was a KB folder in Device Manger before the move?
Maybe it was never there to begin with.

Are you getting into Device Manger and Control Panel by just using the
mouse?

Are you able to get into the BIOS (using the keyboard) before XP
starts? If yes, the keyboard is probably okay and plugged into the
correct hole.

Does the KB work for maneuvering in the BIOS but just not work when XP
loads?

If you unplug the KB and reboot, does the POST complain about a
missing KB (some will stop on this error). What happens if you hold
down a key and reboot? Does the POST complain about a stuck key?

When the computer boots (before XP loads) can you get into the BIOS
configuration?

You are "assuming" a PS2 KB? You need to know for sure to get
apporpriate assistance.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Anything's possible. When it comes to pre-owned computers, always "wipe &
reload."

A format & clean install would be your friend's best bet.

I would certainly want to do that if it were mine, but we were hoping
for a "quick fix". You say "format": is that because you suspect a
virus?

Regards,
MBT

On Sat, 6 Jun 2009 17:59:02 -0400, "PA Bear [MS MVP]"

My friend has been given a computer...

A used computer?

Yes.

Was she given the CDs that came with the machine when it
was new?

I sincerely hope so! (Haven't asked yet...).

Thanks,
MBT


Martyn Tindall wrote:
My friend has been given a computer (system box, monitor, keyboard &
mouse), but the keyboard no longer works following the move, during
which the components were unplugged.

I've had her look in the Device Manager and the "Keyboards" folder is
not present, nor is a keyboard named in Control Panel/Keyboard
Properties.

I'd be grateful for any advice as to how we can reaquaint the PC with
its keyboard. I've not seen the machine switched on, so I don't as
yet know which version of XP it's running.

 

[Martyn Tindall]

Are you sure there was a KB folder in Device Manger before the move?
Maybe it was never there to begin with.

Are you getting into Device Manger and Control Panel by just using the
mouse?

Are you able to get into the BIOS (using the keyboard) before XP
starts? If yes, the keyboard is probably okay and plugged into the
correct hole.

Does the KB work for maneuvering in the BIOS but just not work when XP
loads?

If you unplug the KB and reboot, does the POST complain about a
missing KB (some will stop on this error). What happens if you hold
down a key and reboot? Does the POST complain about a stuck key?

When the computer boots (before XP loads) can you get into the BIOS
configuration?

You are "assuming" a PS2 KB? You need to know for sure to get
apporpriate assistance.

Thanks for all those pointers. I gather the problem has been overcome
without my help!

MBT

 

[Pegasus [MVP]]

Thanks for all those pointers. I gather the problem has been overcome
without my help!

MBT

Are you saying that the problem went away by itself? If so then it's a fair
bet that it will come back at some stage. Or did it disappear after a
reboot? If so then a reboot should be your first response when something
really weird happens. It solves a surprising number of problems!