Safe Mode via Tapping F8 Key-->Keyboard Failure

[eli]

Hello:

Several times when I attempt to go into Safe Mode via tapping the F8 key upon booting up I get a reading on the screen:

-Keyboard failure-

I then get the regular mode logon page; but I cannot reboot , since my keyboard doesn't function. I then need to shut the PC manually. And repeat the attempt..

Even when I am able to go into Safe Mode after such a reading, the keybord strokes often fail..

This only happens about half the time I try to boot into safe mode. Other times, it works as smoothly as it used to

Two questions:

1) What might be causing this "keyboard failure", and how can this be avoided?

2) Is the another way of getting into Safe Mode where this is less likely to happen?

Thanks in advance:

-Eli

Windows XP Professional Edition SP2

 

[Andrew Murray]

Hello:

Several times when I attempt to go into Safe Mode via tapping the F8 key upon booting up I get a reading on the screen:

-Keyboard failure-

I then get the regular mode logon page; but I cannot reboot , since my keyboard doesn't function. I then need to shut the PC manually. And repeat the attempt..

Even when I am able to go into Safe Mode after such a reading, the keybord strokes often fail..

This only happens about half the time I try to boot into safe mode. Other times, it works as smoothly as it used to

Two questions:

1) What might be causing this "keyboard failure", and how can this be avoided?

2) Is the another way of getting into Safe Mode where this is less likely to happen?

Thanks in advance:

-Eli

Windows XP Professional Edition SP2



I'd say it is definitely a hardware issue.The "failure" is caused by the BIOS not finding/detecting a keyboard plugged in, since it is happening before Windows even starts loading (i.e. while you're tapping the F8 key for the startup menu).

You've said you get the Windows log on prompt but can't type anything, this suggests that because the kbd is not found by the BIOS, Windows never loaded a driver for it, since as far as the system is concerned it either has no keyboard, or can't detect that one is indeed plugged in.


Try these:


1) Check that the current keyboard is plugged in correctly and firmly plugged in, and that the cabling is secure and not frayed/broken etc.

2) Try another/get a new keyboard (basic ones cost next to nothing); or

3) It could also be something more serious like the motherboard going on the blink, or the keyboard connector (soldered to the motherboard) coming loose or any number of things.

4) You might try a BIOS update (or take it to an IT professional to have the system checked/updated).

Try the basic checks (1) and (2) above first.

 

[Guest]

Tapping a key whether it is F8 or 'Delete' brings the same problem for my pc
too. So i hold down the key instead of tapping.Tell if it work for your pc.

 

[Rock]

Hello:

Several times when I attempt to go into Safe Mode via tapping the F8 key
upon booting up I get a reading on the screen:

-Keyboard failure-

I then get the regular mode logon page; but I cannot reboot , since my
keyboard doesn't function. I then need to shut the PC manually. And repeat
the attempt..

Even when I am able to go into Safe Mode after such a reading, the keybord
strokes often fail..

This only happens about half the time I try to boot into safe mode. Other
times, it works as smoothly as it used to

Two questions:

1) What might be causing this "keyboard failure", and how can this be
avoided?

2) Is the another way of getting into Safe Mode where this is less likely
to happen?

Thanks in advance:

-Eli

Windows XP Professional Edition SP2


Try another keyboard of the same type, that is USB or PS2. If that doesn't
work try the other style.

 

[Guest]

Sounds like a bad keyboard to me.

 

[eli]

Hi again:

I tired it again. But this time I didn't tap on the F8 key until that dark bar reading:

Optiplex GX260 Series
Bios Revision A09

was filled in .

I found that if I waited those extra few seconds till that horizontal bar filled in and before the Windows logon appeared ---if I begin tapping that F8 key then, it works smoothly. Both keyboad and mouse function in Safe Mode.

I've tried doing it this way 4 times, and on each occsion, it apprently worked ok.

Thanks again:

-Eli

****************************************************

 

[Malke]

Hello:

Several times when I attempt to go into Safe Mode via tapping the F8
key upon booting up I get a reading on the screen:

-Keyboard failure-

(snip)

Usually this means that you are hitting F8 too quickly. Wait a little
longer before tapping F8.

If that doesn't help, try a different keyboard.

Malke

 

[eli]

Yes, Malke....
..
Apparently, hitting the F8 key too soon was the problem here....

-Thanks to those who reponded

-Eli

*************************************

 

[Pop`]

That's most likely because you're tapping F8 during the POST (Power On Self
Test), the first thing the computer does. Usually you can tell by the
screen whe POST completes and the loading of windows begins. Try hitting F8
immediately after or just before the end of, the POST.

During POST, the process checks to see if they keyboard is present. If it
sees any keys pressed, it assumes the keyboard has a problem and gives that
message. So, wait a couple seconds before you start pumping F8.

HTH
Pop`

 

[Rock]

Hi again:

I tired it again. But this time I didn't tap on the F8 key until that dark
bar reading:

Optiplex GX260 Series
Bios Revision A09

was filled in .

I found that if I waited those extra few seconds till that horizontal bar
filled in and before the Windows logon appeared ---if I begin tapping that
F8 key then, it works smoothly. Both keyboad and mouse function in Safe
Mode.

I've tried doing it this way 4 times, and on each occsion, it apprently
worked ok.

Thanks again:

-Eli

Great, thanks for posting back the resolution.

 

[HeyBub]

Hello:

Several times when I attempt to go into Safe Mode via tapping the F8
key upon booting up I get a reading on the screen:

-Keyboard failure-

I then get the regular mode logon page; but I cannot reboot , since
my keyboard doesn't function. I then need to shut the PC manually.
And repeat the attempt..

Even when I am able to go into Safe Mode after such a reading, the
keybord strokes often fail..

This only happens about half the time I try to boot into safe mode.
Other times, it works as smoothly as it used to

Two questions:

1) What might be causing this "keyboard failure", and how can this
be avoided?

2) Is the another way of getting into Safe Mode where this is less
likely to happen?

====
Try a traditional keyboard instead of a USB one.