Can't access setup on DELL OptiPlex GX620.

[nelsonm]

Hi all,

I have a client that has a Dell OptiPlex GX620. This pc only has USB ports, no PS/2 ports.

The problem is that there is not way to enter setup from the keyboard because bios does not recognize the USB keyboard during post. The keyboard is only recognized once XP boots up.

Does any one have any ideas on how to enter setup without the keyboard being active?

Although i have not tried it yet, i think i may be able to get the keyboard recognized during post if i disconnect the hard drive.

 

[angry_geek]

You might try a different keyboard. I had luck once using a ps2 kb with a ps2 to usb adapter. Other than that, you might try unplugging the power and removing the bios battery to reset cmos. I can't remember if that model has a reset jumper.

 

[Galdorf]

The jumpers are listed here:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx260/en/sm/sysbrd.htm#1111216

 

[nelsonm]

Galdorf,
thanks for the dell mb diagram, however, there does not appear to be a bios reset jumper on the mb. Only a real time clock and password reset jumpers. I try pulling the battery.

Angry Geek,
I will try the ps/2 to usb adapter, as soon as i can find one, as well. All of the adapters i have are usb to ps/2.

 

[purple_minion]

If you can't get into the bios because it NEEDS a ps/2 keyboard, I'd look for a bios update, or sue dell!

 

[nj_computer_repair]

Plug in a Mac keyboard if you can get your hands on one - I had a similar issue back in the day with a Dell and that worked for me. Make sure you try all usb ports.

 

[ITG Tech]

I had a client with very similar situation. Unit was still under warrantee and Dell support had me do all the things that are mentioned by others. Dell dispatched a tech with a new motherboard CPU and memory. That fixed the problem. Motherboard was defective, 1 memory module was defective. There was no other way that Dell or myself could think of to access the pc if the USB ports (all of them) were inoperative.

 

[CentiZen]

I doubt it will work to use an adapter, because the USB drive is still the device that runs the convertor. In fact, I just tried a usb to ps2 converter plugged into a ps2 keyboard and the keyboard showed up as USB

The only think that I can think of doing is to update the BIOS.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

 

[Emockler]

get one of these and keep it in ur tool kit:

http://www.pcconnection.com/IPA/Sho...576&oext=1038A&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=8980576

 

[nelsonm]

Emockler,

Although having to spend the time to put a ps/2 pci card into the machine bites a little, your idea gets the brass ring.

Its ironic and a pain in the butt just to get the system to boot from a cd so i can run a hardware diagnostic - just to probably find out that the mb has a problem with usb!

thanks guys,

 

[seedubya]

Emockler gets it in one.

One other thing to try. I had this exact problem some months ago with the same model. I discovered that it would only work with the original dell keyboard and only in either of two particular usb ports (out of a possible eight).

 

[Doctor Micro]

USB ports

Emockler gets it in one.

One other thing to try. I had this exact problem some months ago with the same model. I discovered that it would only work with the original dell keyboard and only in either of two particular usb ports (out of a possible eight).

I've seen this several times also... some USB ports work; some don't. Also, a lot of GX620s are starting to show up on the refurb market, so you don't always know what you're inheriting.