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by nate from ri 1 view

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I have a Dell Dimension 4700c running a fully patched version of Windows XP.

This morning, it decided that Windows would no longer recognize the USB keyboard and mouse. Both the keyboard and mouse work fine in selecting a boot mode, changing BIOS options, using the XP setup disk, in a BartPE environment... basically everywhere except a fully booted Windows.

I have tried Safe Mode, as well as using a different keyboard and mouse. I have also switched to different USB ports. There are no PS2 ports to try PS2 devices on.

I tried booting from a Windows XP install CD, but it doesn't see a previous version of Windows, hence no option to go to a repair console.

I think running SFC or a system restore may help, but can't figure out how to get to those. Any suggestions on repairing the current install? I'm hoping to avaoid a reinstall.

15 replies

by spidershrek

Go to
Start
all programs
Accessories
System tools
system restore
Restore it to a previous day

*Do it in safe mode.

by sgt_shultz

that is a weird one that i've seen here and never learned the answer. i thought you could do a system restore from recovery console but i see i am mistaken. as you probably know you can do it from a command prompt, so if no joy with safe mode, try f8 boot and pick safe mode command prompt only. here is how:
steps to use recovery console:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654/en-us
steps to run system restore from recovery console:
did you try updating the motherboard drivers from dell. did you look this one up on dell

by sgt_shultz

this looked interesting:
USB port may stop working after removing or inserting USB device
View products that this article applies to.
Article ID : 817900
Last Review : May 19, 2005
Revision : 5.0
Important This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
256986 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/256986/) Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry
SUMMARY
When a USB device is repeatedly inserted and removed, the USB port may stop responding. This article describes how to resolve this problem with a unresponsive USB port.
Back to the top

SYMPTOMS
If you quickly and repeatedly insert and remove a USB device, the USB port may stop responding. When the port is in this state, it no longer recognizes any USB device.
Back to the top

CAUSE
This problem may occur because of a race condition in the Selective Suspend feature of USB. Microsoft and the hardware vendors that manufacture the chips that are used for USB have investigated the problem. However, the results have been inconclusive because of the intermittent nature of the problem.
Back to the top

RESOLUTION
To resolve this, follow these steps: 1. Start Device Manager.
2. On the Action menu, click Scan for New Hardware.
If this does not resolve the issue, you have to restart the computer. In some cases you must use Device Manager to disable then re-enable the device to get it to recover from this unresponsive condition.

by nate from ri

I can't install the recovery console or update drivers, as I don't have a keyboard and mouse while in Windows.

by 3xp3rt

In addition of the preview answer, he?s right BUT!!!
How do you do this without mouse and keyboard? The solution is to try to use an old serial mouse.

by 3xp3rt

Sorry! when I put my answer it was only the Answer nr.1. So my answer refer to answer 1

by mjd420nova

This really sounds like a USB port failure. Check
that the kayboard and mouse are inserted properly and fully engaged in the slots. Try
another USB keyboard, if no luck there, then
the USB has failed. In most cases, the USB
chip is part of the system board, and will
require replacement. Be sure the connector
on the end of the cable is clean.

by nate from ri

Like I said in the original post, I did indeed try another keyboard and mouse. I think it is a software issue, since the keyboard and mouse work fine everywhere except in Windows.

by nate from ri

That is indeed common sense. However, as I pointed out in my question, this model does not have PS2 ports into which a device could be plugged.

by spidershrek

I'm sorry for making reference to the ps/2 port.
There is and Com port adapter that you can get for about 2 dollars that will allow you to use a ps/2 mouse and keybord. you can try that. If it fails unplugged the power supply from the motherboard and plug it it. Maybe it will work

by hal 9000

OK I don't know if this will work but it's all over the MS Discussion groups when you have problems with USB Devices.

Shut down the computer[b]Unplug the Mains Lead[/b] for about 2 minutes and then plug it back in and boot up apparently this is supposed to solve the problem with Windows failing to recognise USB Ports.

Col

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