Keyboard won't work after Bios mode

markymark · 02-29-2008, 01:40 PM

Hi, I'm new to the forum but any help would be greatly appreciated.

My keyboard (not usb) suddenly stopped working, but the mouse is fine. I tried countless ways to correct it, checked connections, bought a new one, reinstalled drivers and so on but still won't work.

I decided to do a complete reinstall of XP and the keyboard works in the Bios mode, but once windows starts it won't respond, no lights, no nothing?

Could anyone advise what to try and and do next as I am at a loss. Should I try a USB keyboard? Is it a virus.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

**POADB** · 02-29-2008, 01:45 PM

Markymark, welcome to TSF.

Sounds like an on-board issue with the PS2 port.
Please do try a USB keyboard and report back.

markymark · 03-20-2008, 11:11 AM

Have tried the USB keyboard option but still no joy...

Any ideas please?

Thanks

**POADB** · 03-20-2008, 03:42 PM

Check in your BIOS that the keyboard is enabled.

markymark · 03-21-2008, 11:31 AM

Have checked that and it is enabled...

**POADB** · 03-23-2008, 02:43 AM

OK, did you check Legacy Support was enabled in your BIOS?

Also, use Device Manager in Control Panel to remove the keyboard if present, and then see if Windows detects it.

Which keyboard do you have?

markymark · 03-23-2008, 05:06 AM

Yes have tried all that and nothing.

The keyboard will work in the bios, but as I am re-installing Windows as soon as I get to enter names for the setup it won't work or respond.

It is just standard PS2 keyboard, I have tried 3 infact as well as a USB adapter...

Could it be a virus?

The original problem occurred soon after I installed drivers for my ethernet port, could it be that?

Should I find a program to write zeros to the hard-drive and try another install?

**POADB** · 03-23-2008, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markymark

Yes have tried all that and nothing.

The keyboard will work in the bios, but as I am re-installing Windows as soon as I get to enter names for the setup it won't work or respond.

This normally happebs if Legacy Support is not enabled, but you have ruled this out.

Quote:

It is just standard PS2 keyboard, I have tried 3 infact as well as a USB adapter...

A USB adapter? You mean a PS2 to USB converter. I was hoping you could try a standard USB keyboard.

Quote:

Could it be a virus?

Since this is a clean install of Windows XP (and presumably you installed AV and updated Windows with Critical Updates) there should eb no cause for concern of virus. You would need to post for help in the HiJackThis Log Help forum to be 100% though.

Quote:

The original problem occurred soon after I installed drivers for my ethernet port, could it be that?

Potentially. You could try a System Restore - or try and uninstall the driver for the ethernet card to see if the keyboard becomes usable again.

Quote:

Should I find a program to write zeros to the hard-drive and try another install?

This should be last resort. I'd prefer you to System Restore, or repair install rather then wipe and start again.

Try un-installing the driver for the ethernet card first. If this fails, then see if you have a Restore Point before the problem occurred.

dai · 03-23-2008, 10:15 AM

try a cmos reset

markymark · 03-23-2008, 10:19 AM

Sorry, but how do I reset the cmos? thanks

**jimmy** · 03-23-2008, 10:22 AM

try installing the drivers for the keyboard and you can try other methods mentioned above. but if the keyboard works normally and not in bios. then i think there is a problem with the virus try setting the deafult settings back or cmos clear as mentioned above.

markymark · 03-23-2008, 10:29 AM

Folks, thanks for the reply's but just to clarify...

1. The keyboard works in the BIOS mode
2. I cannot reinstall or uninstall any drivers because....
3. I am midway through a fresh XP re-install but cannot complete it as I cannot input anything through the keyboard ie: account names, settings, passwords

Is it worth finding a program to write Zeros to the Harddrive and start the install again?

Thanks for you time....

dai · 03-23-2008, 10:39 AM

turn the computer off and remove the power lead from the back
remove the cmos battery
move the cmos jumper from pins 1 and 2 to pins 2 and 3 then back to pins 1 and 2
replace the battery
replug in the power lead
boot the computer
check pnp is enabled in the bios
you can use dban to clear the drive
http://sourceforge.net/projects/dban/