how do I get a keyboard functioning after boot?

[falinxcopernicus]

Hi everybody.

We currently have a very unstable kvm switch on our NT4 based machines. Now if for some reason we lose keyboard comms with the machines, they won't communicate with the keyboard again without a reboot. Plugging any keyboard in directly won't work either. Is there any way around this NT4 "feature"?

 

[Griffyn]

I routinely plug and play with my keyboards on my NT4 servers, and they don't ever notice. I certainly don't need to reboot after removing a keyboard and replugging it back in.

Perhaps the KVM is somehow playing a part? My keyboards are PS/2. I'm presuming yours are too.

 

[RichardMoran]

On some KVMs you have the option to 'rescan' the keyboard and mouse, which I have used in the past to gain access to the keyboard again.

On some I have had success by power cycling the KVM box, which seems to re-initialise the connection to the keyboard. ( it only works on some though )

Unfortunately, I haven't been as lucky as Griffyn. My NT Servers generally won't read a keyboard if it gets disconnected. That goes for about 20 servers, covering 4 different brands.

Maybe the ability to successfully reconnect a keyboard is specific to the hardware in certain brands/models. I guess it could also be dependant on what services/processes are running on your server at the time the keyboard gets disconnected.

The problem doesn't happen that often for us, but it's a real pain when we have to reboot.

If I find out anything more useful, I'll let you know.

Rik