Keyboard issue 1

[Wishdiak]

This one has me a bit perplexed.

My girlfriend is currently using a Biostar motherboard with a Pentium IV 2.66 and 512mb of RAM. Into this mostly new system, I installed her hard drive from an older box, and did a repair install of both Windows XP and Microsoft Office.

Occasionally, the keyboard starts acting weird. She describes it as the ctrl or alt keys being active when they're not. As such, it's impossible to type anything, and after a reboot, it's fine. This problem with the ctrl/alt keys is not specific to one application (such as Word).

I've tried changing PS/2 keyboards, and the problem remains. I just ordered her a USB keyboard as the keyboard jack on her motherboard seems a little loose. This same motherboard worked in a system of mine for almost a year with no keyboard issues.

There is nothing of value in the event log. Any ideas?

Wishdiak
A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA: Security 2003

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[ski]

See if the KB works in Safe mode. If it does, then do a clean boot to troubleshoot the problem:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=320553

If the problem happens in Safe mode, then while in Safe mode delete all KB drivers, remove the KB from Device Manager, restart normally, and let Windows reinstall the drivers.
If no luck, then do a clean Windows install.
If no good, then the port may be bad.

 

[Wishdiak]

ski,

Excellent advice. I should have thought of that before ordering a new USB keyboard, but it never hurts to have a spare.

Wishdiak
A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA: Security 2003

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[ski]

You're welcome.
You're right, KB's are inexpensive, and it's convenient having an extra one that can be swapped for the original.

 

[Wishdiak]

ski,

Just a quick follow-up. The USB keyboard seemed to fix the issue, and it's a good thing that the USB keyboard was enabled by default in the BIOS.

When I booted up with the old PS/2 keyboard, the keyboard simply wasn't recognised. It appears that the jack on the motherboard was in fact damaged, but it booted fine with the USB keyboard.

If anyone thinks that there's no value to cable management beyond aesthetics, here's a practical example. Cables that don't dangle in the area of the user's feet are less likely to damage hardware.

Wishdiak
A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA: Security 2003

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[ski]

Glad to hear that you fixed the issue, and thanks for the great tip on dangling cables.

 

[G0AOZ]

Re the dangling cable syndrome. Might be a good case for using wireless keyboard and mouse...

Glad it's fixed for you.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[Wishdiak]

Re the dangling cable syndrome. Might be a good case for using wireless keyboard and mouse...

Normally, I would agree, however the few wireless keyboards that I've seen still have a wired base receiver, so still have wires running up from the back of the case to the desktop.

We'd still have the same cable management issue, but I've got a few rolls of velcro to tidy it all up with.

Wishdiak
A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA: Security 2003

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[G0AOZ]

Unless you have thick steel desks, or you're using infra red devices, surely you could just leave the wireless receiver sitting on top of the computer case?

Oh, and you can do wonderful things with Velcro


ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[edfair]

I've used some slotted bus duct as a cable management tool. Slotted on the sides for cable entry and a press fit top to keep cables in place.
Bor cables on the back of desks I've used the adhesive wire tie bases and wire ties.
And I have used coat hanger hooks across a wall where I needed frequent access and esthetics weren't a problem.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.