Keyboard works in BIOS, Windows can't find it.

[StreetRacer]

I'm trying to set up a system for my son. I've installed a used MSI KT7266 PRO motherboard (just acquired).

Windows XP setup halts saying it can't find a keyboard attached to the system. I've tried two different keyboards with the same result. Both keyboards are known to function. Both work fine in the BIOS with this motherboard, but Windows can't find 'em.

Any ideas?

 

[The Boston Dangler]

If the keyboards are USB, it sounds like the board doesn't support USB on it's own. Do the keyboards work in BIOS?

 

[w00t]

hmm, try using one of the adapters for the usb keyboards to make it ps/2.

 

[StreetRacer]

Both keyboards are PS/2, not USB. Again, both keyboards work fine with other systems. And both work fine in the BIOS with the new system I'm trying to set up, but Windows just can't find them.

 

[dunkster]

Check for full-insertion physical connection between PS2 plug and socket.

I had to whittle on the plastic sleeve on one of my PS2 plugs to allow full insertion - it was hanging up on the edge of the motherboard RF-shield.

Hope this helps!

 

[StreetRacer]

Originally posted by: dunkster
Check for full-insertion physical connection between PS2 plug and socket.

I had to whittle on the plastic sleeve on one of my PS2 plugs to allow full insertion - it was hanging up on the edge of the motherboard RF-shield.

Hope this helps!

I'm getting full insertion. I've inspected the PS/2 port closely and don't see any outward sign of physical damage.

What I'm not understanding is why I can manipulate the BIOS but Windows can't find the keyboards. The keyboard has to be comunicating with the MOBO on some level. What's the difference when Windows kicks in?

 

[StreetRacer]

Still lookin' for help.

 

[Jiggz]

If it works in the bios but is not detected by Windows, it's most likely a Bios problem. To find out for sure, try buying a PS2 ->USB adapter or use a USB KB (make sure it is enabled in the bios about USB mouse and KB). If the same problem persists it is a bios problem. If the problem goes away it's port or mobo problem. Try upgrading the bios.

 

[Skeeedunt]

That's a weird one. Plugged into the correct PS/2 port (not the mouse one?) Look around in the BIOS for where you turn on/off the COM and LPT and other ports, see if it says anything about PS/2 in there. No idea, really. Good luck.

 

[Bozo Galora]

You want ideas?
Could be bad RAM crippling install - run memtest86+ from floppy.
Could be corrupt XP CD (cough)

first thing to try is full reset cmos - including shorting pins, taking out battery and removing plug from wall for hour at least.

on MOST mobo the KB and mouse PS2 are switchable - if you put them in wrong receptacles they will reset that way in bios - so try them plugged in wrong - but do not hotswap PS2 ports

you could also try changing bios to stop on all errors EXCEPT KB

load and boot to a win98 boot disk and type something. If it works, its a windows/RAM prob, not KB or BIOS.
Actually, trying a Win 98 install first might really be worth a shot.

Some logitech (and other) mice can cause KB not to work. So try $5 generic mouse.

XP install over Win 98 sometimes does this.
In this case, its reformat/reinstall time.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

How about, in BIOS, "Plug and Play OS installed? Y/N"

 

[StreetRacer]

Thanks to all who replied for your ideas and support.

Good news! I win!

What I did:

I used Ghost to clone a drive with XP Pro on it. Windows loaded and wanted change out some drivers but still no keyboard or mouse. Next I tried my Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse combo via USB connection. At first that wouldn't work either but a BIOS Flash and some BIOS setting experimentation I got it going.

Next I formatted and did a fresh XP install using the USB keyboard. Then I tried the PS/2 keyboard and mouse again. No good. So I reattached the USB set in conjuction with the PS/2. Now I was able to get into Device Manager with the PS/2 keyboard/mouse connected and found an IRQ conflict with the modem. They were fighting over IRQ 1.

I yanked the modem and It's been smooth sailing since.

Again, thanks to all for your help.