Keyboard + Mouse Doesn't work

[palhello]

I was playing around with a multi-pc program elcsoft (or something like that)..it ate up my task manager. So when I press ctrl+alt+del I would get all the option but when I press process it wont show any process (*This is a different issue than the double click on where task manager itself goes blank).
But this is not the real problem. I uninstalled the problem and the task-manager problem persisted. I was using process Explorer so didn't really needed the windows task manager.
Now, HERE IS THE PROBLEM.
I tried to remove certain dll's that belonged to the multi-pc program, and removed a dll and some sys files whose name started with the multipc program name. Now when I restart the computer, the dialog to enter password comes but I can't enter the password because neither mouse nor keyboard works. Any Windows XP expert who can help me. I am quite reluctant to format the drive.
Also I had opened msconfig, and on the service section only selected those services that belonged to startup.

Hope any of you can solve the problem soon.

Thank in advance.

 

[linney]

Have you tried setting the Bios to load Safe defaults and rebooting? Do you have Keyboard access pre-windows?

Can it be booted in to Safe Mode and regain Mouse and Keyboard access? If so you can try these or see if there are other clues in the links.

If you can get into Safe Mode, you might be able to try System Restore from there?

Open the control panel and select the keyboard icon then open the hardware tab

Check any devices in the list make sure things are correct in there.
Try to re-install or install the correct drivers for this by selecting the Properties tab then Drivers tab and then Update drivers.


Have a look in Control Panel/ Regional and Language/

Make sure you have the correct setting for "Standards and formats".

After that continue on by selecting the Languages tab/ Details. Make sure you have the correct "Default input language" and "Installed services".


You May Be Unable to Access the Windows Advanced Options Menu When You Use a USB Keyboard

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283778#appliesto

No Mouse/Keyboard After Updating Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro Drivers (Q257729)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q257/7/29.asp

Keyboard dead at logon.
thread779-396323: Keyboard dead at logon.

Keyboard stops responding
thread779-855939: Keyboard stops responding

Can you try another Mouse and Keyboard, or disconnect the current ones, reboot without them attached, then plug them back in, then reboot once more to see if Windows can rediscover them?

You can also use the Windows-Key+U to access the On Screen Keyboard.

Most of the above require Keyboard or Mouse access, without it you are helpless. Before the repair of Windows, you could try disabling the faulty program drivers via the Recovery Console and the Disable command.

How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307654&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

While your there try running ChkDsk /r to check your drive for errors.


If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[palhello]

Well, the mouse and keyboard works on pre-windows. I can even get into the good old Fedora. Its windows specific. I might have deleted the keyboard drivers somehow but I don't know how to get them back without going inside windows. I am prompted with the logon screen both at startup and safe mode but it's frustrating I can't type the password.

The only way seems to be start the computer with a bootable XP CD, and then go into recovery console. I think I will have to buy a CD/DVD-ROM, the one I have is quite old and kinda dead.

Thanks for the help though. If there is anything that I can do by replacing files/drivers thorugh other OSes then do let me know. I can run both fedora and Win98 but XP is stuck.. Is there any .ini file that I can change to bring back the effect ?

 

[SirBlack]

This may sound stupid or a simple but have you tried unintalling keyboard & mouse in Device Manager, rebooting and let Windows install the 'new' hardware & required drivers & files? I always try easy solutions 1st before before trying harsher fixes.
Hope this helps!

Bob B-)

Remember, if you can't stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them!

 

[linney]

My knowledge of Fedora is zilch. Can you use it to play the part of the Recovery Console in this scenario?

An easy to follow recovery console description when unable to start computer due to corrupt registry.

http://www.digitalwebcast.com/2002/03_mar/tutorials/cw_boot_toot.htm

This is a layman's version of Q307545 in simple language.

The idea being that you use an older System Restore point (Registry Files) and load them in to the current Registry.

Otherwise go and buy a CD-ROM drive and fit it or try an external one.