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General discussion

Mouse/Keyboard Unexpectedly Inoperable

Nov 30, 2010 12:28AM PST

Dell Dimension DXP061
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6600 @ 2.40Ghz 2.39 Ghz
Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB
32-bit Operating System

Windows Vista Ultimate
Service Pack 2

Still using original supplied keyboard and mouse. (Both USB connected)

Purchased New March, 2007

Within the last week, my computer's mouse and keyboard have become inoperable unexpectedly.
On the first occasion, the only application running was Mozilla FireFox (surfing the web).

Unexpectedly, I had no keyboard control or ability to move the mouse curser at all.
Initially, I unplugged everything connected to any USB socket, and plugged the mouse and keyboard
back in with no change. So, I held the computer's power button [in] to force the computer completely Off.

Note: I'm the only user for this computer and have Windows set to come on requiring no password,
and it's been set this way since New in 2007.

Restarting the computer, it went through all typical start up screens and the desktop showing all icons reappeared including a pop-up window from Real Player stating a new update was available.
(I had seen this before.)
The mouse curser and keyboard still did not respond. Fiddling with it again (Shutting down, restarting)
I left it off and traveled to a Thanksgiving dinner. While visiting with family, someone suggested unplugging the computer totally from power, and letting it stay disconnected for a while.
Upon returning home, I did this. I restarted the computer, and "Walla" the mouse, and keyboard worked again.

Today, I was drafting a Word document and the same inoperable mouse/keyboard issue happened again.
I forced the computer off, and turned it back on to see what screens would come up during the boot.
This time, the computer brought up the screen showing the improperly shutting down, bla, bla,
and asking the safe mode question etc. At that point, the keyboard still did now work. No response in pushing
"Enter" or any other key.
I allowed the computer to stay in this mode, (not touching any keys) and it eventually continued booting after a minute or so. This time, the mouse and keyboard came back fully functional without having to unplug power.

I realize inoperable mouse and keyboard instances are not new computer problems, and I did search for
answers related to this. There are no new programs installed within the last year or so other than basic updates
for Windows, Adobe, HP, Mozilla, etc.
What aspect of the computer should I be looking at to correct this? Hardware, or software? (Maybe I need to vacuum the thing out, I'm baffled.)
Any hints out there as to what's up?

Thanks,

John

Discussion is locked

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From cheap to not cheap.
Nov 30, 2010 1:01AM PST

I have to think the boot menu didn't respond to the keyboard.

Did you try another keyboard?
Bob

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Mouse/Keyboard Unexpectedly Inoperable
Nov 30, 2010 1:27AM PST

Hi Bob,
I currently don't have another keyboard to try. But will certainly consider replacing it.
I'm wondering about the mouse aspect of this problem though.
Because clearly it's effected too.

Your reply centering on the keyboard makes me think this really could be an issue
of dust inside the machine that has somehow played havoc with the USB ports.
(Because it effects both items.)

Not trying to sound like I'm answering my own question here and wasting anyone's
time replying here... for I'm definitely needing feedback.

The only other thing that has occurred to me that I have changed recently (last month)is
I went into the Mozilla Browser and changed the setting regarding web pages being
loaded using the computers RAM instead of the hard drive.
And that I'm remembering now that I did have Mozilla up when I was drafting the
word document... But, I'm not sure RAM has anything to do with hardware functionality.
As the day progresses, I'll shut the machine down, take the cover off and investigate
my own dust theory... but again... any other ideas will greatly be appreciated.

Thanks ahead of time to everyone,

John

- Collapse -
Nothing new I fear.
Nov 30, 2010 1:47AM PST

The diagnostic for a keyboard or mouse issue means we swap such out.

If you fell this desktop needs cleaning, why not now?

Watch the video at http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11319_7-6240575-1.html

I can understand folk not having spares but they also may have to take machines in for repairs which is a bit more than the spare part to test with.

-> When I wrote more expensive I meant to write about a new motherboard.
Bob