keyboard inop in full screen command prompt

[kilroy50]

Hello,
I just discovered during a demonstration of older DOS based software that the keyboard and mouse both go 'dead' when a command prompt window is maximized. The devices stay inoperative when the window is resized to 'normal' (The only keyboard input accepted is alt-enter). The DOS apps work fine as long as they are run in a window less than maximized. The situation occurs both when the apps are started in a command window and when they are started with a PIF. I've tried them in compatiblity mode, separate memory space, etc., with no joy. All DOS apps are normal when the machine is booted to a DOS disk. Any ideas?

 

[bcastner]

What kind of mouse, and what kind of keyboard?

If USB you may need to enable "Legacy" support for USB devices in the BIOS.

 

[kilroy50]

Oops..sorry, both mouse and keyboard are Microsoft branded, ps2 devices. Both work properly on other computers and on this on when booted to a DOS disk or in a non-maximized command prompt window.
I already attempted a 'repair' reload of WinXP, checked on MS support site, Technet & etc., downloaded latest-greatest drivers for mouse and kb.
no joy..

 

[bcastner]

right-click on the .bat file that starts the application, Properties, and under the tab "Misc." set the Mouse mode to Exclusive.

 

[kilroy50]

You wrote:"right-click on the .bat file that starts the application, Properties, and under the tab "Misc." set the Mouse mode to Exclusive."

Tried it, no joy.
Thanks for replying..

 

[bcastner]

Do not set the values with a .pif, but try setting it for the command session.

When the Windows is less than Full screen, click on the tiny little grey box-like thing in the title bar on the left. Make your setttings there. Exit. Then retry.

You will have to play with Memory models, compatability modes, and ROM emulation, as well as virutal memory space.