"Keyboard Error. Press F1 to resume" 4

[lucky23]

I am currently unable to start one of my desktop machines.

Although a working keyboard is connected, the error message "Keyboard Error. Press F1 to resume" is displayed on startup. Pressing F1 starts the XP Pro splash screen but startup does not complete- it simply returns to the error message. I have tried starting in safe mode but same story.

Background info - old machine - AMD Athlon 600MhZ, 192MB. No recent changes to hardware build. Recently this same machine has been displaying the message "ATAPI Incompatable; Press F1 to Resume" on startup- in which case pressing F1 solved problem.

Do you think my hardware is failing? Any suggestions please???

 

[NortonES2]

Make sure that one of the keys isn't stuck down.

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If it doesn't leak oil it must be empty!!

 

[lucky23]

Don't think so I'm afraid but thanks anyway. Any other ideas anyone??

 

[G0AOZ]

Try another keyboard. See if a complete reset of the BIOS helps. Does the same error message occur if you boot to a DOS floppy disk?

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[lucky23]

Apologies, I forgot to mention: this error occurs even when starting with no keyboard connected.

How do I go about reseting the bios? - via the software?

 

[NortonES2]

Confirm that the mouse and keyboard haven't been swapped over. The F1 prompt usually means that the keyboard hasn't been detected.

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If it doesn't leak oil it must be empty!!

 

[edfair]

Over a period of years I've generally found that once you start having this problem you are counting down to a motherboard replacement if changing the keyboard doesn't work.
During POST the keyboard is sent a reset command and the keyboard responds with an identifier. Failure to respond or the wrong type identifier will give the error. The problem can be on either end but the worst case is on the motherboard end.

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

 

[G0AOZ]

There are three ways to reset the BIOS.

From within the BIOS itself you can "load setup defaults" - pressing the <Del> key immediately after starting up the machine is a common way to enter the BIOS, but there are several others depending upon make and model of motherboard.

Secondly, check the motherboard for a jumper marked "CLEAR CMOS" or "CLR CMOS". Jumper will be on say pins 1 and 2, so move it to pins 2 and 3 for a few seconds, then back to original setting. This should be done with the computer switched off.

Lastly, if no jumper is apparent, remove the battery from its holder for a few seconds and then replace. Again, only do this with the machine switched off.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[Trevoke]

+1 to edfair.
My first experience with computer problems was plugging a PS/2 mouse into a booting Windows 95 computer. The computer didn't like that and I got stuck on that same error message: the motherboard had let out too much magic smoke.

So prepare your wallet, because it might be about to bleed or weep.

-Haben sie fosforos?
-No tiengo caballero, but I have un briquet.

 

[NorthsideIT]

Your system sounds like its well used and has some age as well. Keeping that in mind, you may want to get back to basics here and work the problem from your keyboard to your mother board one step at a time. Check the keyboard on another system, if it works then move on to your pc. Check your connection, is it a firm fit at the PC? If everything is fine there, move on to your board. How old is your BIOS battery? When was it last changed? Check the voltage is correct by taking it out (Only after you have turned your power off) and change if required. Doing this will do 2 things. Ensured you have a new battery and secondly reset your BIOS. While your in there, re-seat all your connections, even your RAM and CPU. Boot to your BIOS and set it up. Have you done a BIOS update lately? If after all this you still have the same problem... my friend, your board is on its last legs Hope this helps