USB keyboard and mouse problem

[seedubya]

Windows XP system dropped in for repair (same one as last post) Keyboard works fine while booting i.e. can get to BIOS, f8 for Safe Mode etc. However once Windows starts either in normal or safe mode the keyboard stops responding. Mouse doesn't work either. I've seen this once before on a Dell Optiplex a couple of years ago. The only way to get it to work was to go get the original keyboard and mouse for the customer. This time the customer is 50 miles away.

TIA

Colm

 

[i2omani]

Irq

Just a suggestion , could that be an IRQ conflict. have you tested with bratPE to see if the keyboard and mouse will work?
Will you be able to delete mouse and keyboard from Device Mgr and see if win will install it upon boot?

Regards
Romani

 

[seedubya]

Don't have BartPE. All works fine with Ubuntu Live CD. Can't delete anything from device manager as I can't use the keyboard and mouse.

Thanks, CW

 

[stevenamills]

Will a PS2 m/kb work? If there are no ports, I've sometimes had succes with a usb/ps2 converter. This might give you a chance.

Steve

 

[tartis]

I agreee with using a PS/2 Mouse and keyboard. If it boots, plug the USB devices back in and let Windows find the devices and drivers.

 

[seedubya]

No Ps/2 ports and convertor doesn't work. Windows loads but driver installation never gets started coz there are 6 user accounts so it doesn't log in. Owner is dropping off K+M tomorrow morning so hopefully problem solved. Otherwise it's a repair install

 

[bmetman]

Sounds like a problem in your usb driver stack. Do you have the option to install a pci usb card and hook the mouse and keyboard into those. Hopefully you can get into windows, delete the on board usb and let windows reinstall it on the next reboot. Just a shot in the dark. Maybe xp will recognize it. Not sure

 

[Jory]

I recently bought a Dell on sale because it was pretty cheap and I needed a new system, but it doesn't have PS/2 ports on it at all. I've seen other Dell's like this, but I thought it was only on the slim designs.

It has to be the dumbest thing I've ever seen when it comes to computer design. They're saving a few cents by not including them, but potentially causing big problems by cutting you off from the most reliable and easy way to connect a keyboard and mouse. Basically they managed to achieve epic levels of retardation if you ask me.

As far as I can see your only option is to keep around at least a USB mouse that will automatically install the drivers without having to go through the prompts. Also don't plug in the keyboard until after you get the mouse working. The mouse is much more likely to install without going through the prompts, but the keyboard might the first device that's trying to be installed.

 

[seedubya]

Problem solved. User dropped in Kb & M. Didn't work immediately. I had to experiment with what USB ports each item was plugged into before it would work.

 

[gjantz]

Use any PS2 keyboard and mouse, until Windows "finds" the USB units. gjantz

 

[abe]

no ps2 ports see above
?)