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Non-functional USB Keyboard in DOS

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by friendlyneighbor2

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I am attempting to update my Bios from DOS. I am booting from a CD, as I have no PS2 or IDE. My USB keyboard will allow me to set BIOS options, but when I enter DR. DOS, I am unable to type anything.

11 replies

by thechas

In BIOS settings, enable full legacy support for the USB Keyboard.

But, BIOS updates must be undertaken with full caution.

Unless you have been advised to do so by the motherboard manufacture, or the readme for the update specifically mentions a fox for a problem you are having, you should not update the BIOS.

Why? BIOS updates can disable your computer. Anything from the wrong BIOS file to a lost bit while flashing can disable your system.

If you do need to flash the BIOS make sure to follow all of the motherboard manufactures precautions and instructions.

Chas

by friendlyneighbor2

I tried disabling the legacy support and then enabling it again, and that didn't work. The bigger problem I am trying to solve is that I have encountered a variety of errors when installing windows XP. A discussion I came across recommended flashing the bios.I am using an intel dp45sg motherboard. Should I try a different keyboard?

by thumbsup2

... me might be able to help further.

So, what's the problem? Please also include a detailed description of the hardware you're trying to install it on.

Just so you know, there are few, if any, cases where any BIOS needed to be flashed just to get XP to install.

by thechas

Most of the time, but not always, when I get an error when installing XP, the problem turns out to be incompatible RAM.

Just because the RAM is the correct speed and type for your motherboard and passes the POST test does not mean that the RAM will work for XP.

As far as flashing the BIOS, check the update notes and see if there were any fixes for RAM issues on the list. For that matter, make sure that you do not already have the latest version of the BIOS on your system. There is NO value in flashing the BIOS if you already have the same version on your computer.

As far as the keyboard, make sure that your keyboard does have legacy DOS support.

I have not checked if DR DOS has any issues with USB keyboards. You might try making a XP boot disk on a different XP system and copying that onto your USB boot drive.

Chas

by peconet tietokoneet

Connect the USB cable from the keyboard into another USB socket and see if that works.
Make sure that the keyboard is the only thing attached to the USB ports of the computer for the moment so as to correct your issue.

by friendlyneighbor2

I'm doing an initial install of xp on
an Intel dp45sg motherboard with 2 GB of Corsair DDR3 PC-10600 RAM 9-9-9-27,
an Intel E8400 processor,
an ASUS EAH4850 Radeon HD,
a Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB HD,
and a LITE-ON|iHAS120-04 optical drive.
I'm using a USB Kensington Studio mouse and a USB Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000v1.0.
I have three xp install discs, two with SP1 and one with SP2.
When I attempt to install using xp SP1, I complete the formatting and reboot o.k., but about 2/3 of the way through the drivers installation I receive an IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR EQUAL error
When I attempt to install using the SP2 disk, the installation hangs after installing the basic drivers, before formatting.
I also have a USB disc drive, and I have identical troubles when using this drive.

by oh smeg

Use something like MemTest available here

http://www.memtest86.com/download.html

Or The Ultimate Boot CD available here

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/download.html

Also enter the BIOS and select Chose Performance Defaults set the Date & Time and then save the changes when you exit BIOS and try again.

Not finding certain Files constantly when you are attempting to load Windows is a sign of a problem with the RAM of some sort. It can be Incompatible RAM or in the case like this there could be Timing Issues with the RAM Involved. Corsair sell 2 GIG Packs and if you chose to go with 2 X 1 GIG Sticks not from a 2 GIG Pack there could be timing issues involved here due to either different Speed RAM being used or Different Manufacturing Batches with slightly different Specifications in use.

Also make a Slipstreamed Install Disc and include SP3 and any other Specialized Drivers that are required for this M'Board with nLite available here

http://www.nliteos.com/download.html

Just make sure to read the Directions for Use on the Web Site here before attempting to Slipstream the Install Disc.

http://www.nliteos.com/guides.html

Also try installing with only 1 Stick of RAM Fitted. If that works refit the second Stick after you have Windows Installed. :)

Col

by friendlyneighbor2

There were some update notes about RAM. I have BIOS version 0086. The latest is 0108. In version 0106, the notes say: "added support for PC3 1066 9-9-9 1.7v DRAM."
I am on my xp macbook right now, what do you mean by making an xp boot disk? I just made a dos boot disk with Intel's BIOS flashing utility.

by seanferd

Also, download a copy of the current BIOS version you are using.

If something goes wrong, it can help.

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