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General discussion

log-on indicates no known keyboard

Jan 6, 2011 6:53AM PST

Windows XP Pro 2002; HP epc-40 CPU; Compaq keyboard w/ps2 plug

Because of a bad update from SASPro last year, which pretty much destroyed much of my system, Microsoft was kind enough to send a repair install disc, along w/SP3. A friend did the install at another location at Christmas. As soon as I hooked everything back onto the CPU, I get the message that there is no known keyboard.
I have tried contacting the MS tech but no response.
A local tech told me that, since the problem began suddenly, the driver was probably dropped from the program.
I have borrowed a keyboard & went into the Control Panel>keyboard>Hardware>Properties>Driver tab>Driver details.
With the borrowed keyboard, the display shows:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\i8042prt.sys AND
C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\kbdclass.sys
With the display on-screen, I unplugged the borrowed keyboard & plugged in my Compaq. None of the information changed, but I get no action from the Compaq.
Does anyone have any suggestions??
Please keep terminology simple, so I can understand. Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Keyboard
Jan 6, 2011 11:56PM PST

If the borrowed keyboard functioned normally and the Compaq did not it would seem that keyboard replacement is in order, unless I missed something here. Keyboards (wired) are not expensive, some as low as 5.00.

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I'll have to do more shopping
Jan 7, 2011 2:10AM PST

Although I have looked on walmart.com, most of them come with a mouse, which I do not need/want. But, since I did that, I found out it is a ps2 connection. I'll start again. But $5?? They are at least $20, and that's with a keyboard this former secretary would not want. I'll keep looking. Thanks for your suggestion!

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Keyboard(s)
Jan 7, 2011 4:00AM PST

Take a look at the big box stores, I saw some clearance keyboards a few weeks ago at Office Depot for 5.00. Most keyboards now are USB input not PS/2, though many come with a USB/PS2 adapter. Most keyboard/mouse combinations are wireless and of course they vary in cost, should you decide to use a wireless combo system, go for Logitech, I have used them for years with great results.

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Since you know more than I...
Jan 7, 2011 5:03AM PST

...someone on walmart.com's site left a comment to the effect that, with a USB connection, one cannot access the BIOS. Do you know if that is true?
Also, at the Staples store where I was looking at keyboards, the kit with adapter's is $30. If you know of a big box store that has a sale/clearance on ps2 keyboards, I am more than happy to have a look - before the "big snow" gets here. I checked all the Sunday ads, but there were none. Thanks.

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Walmart comment
Jan 7, 2011 11:31PM PST

Sounds as if the Walmart person is a real WIZARD, at any rate unless your computer is pretty old and I do not know what you have, the consensus would be go USB PS/2 kinda went out a while back, quite a while back.