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at boot "keyboard is locked". age=5 yrs

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7 replies

by sgt_shultz

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sorry to be so scanty on info.
what is your opinion?
friend calls with:
trying to boot old computer off for several years.
can't get past 'keyboard is locked' on black screen at boot.
she tried all the F keys. she did not have a new keyboard totry. she can't get into setup to see if something's set funny. i tried having her short the battery in attempt to clear BIOS settings but no luck. she is bring me system later today. whatcha think? think BIOS is at fault. sorry no particulars about mboard etc...
thanks in advance for your thoughts...

7 replies

by cactus pete

Sounds like it's waiting for a password. Look up the manufacturer's support sight for the proper way to clear the BIOS to factory defaults...

by thechas

If the PC has been off (un-plugged) for 5 years, the CMOS backup battery is likely at a low voltage state that is causing the logic to lock up.

Remove the battery, (with power disconnected) wait 15 minutes, see if it boots.

If it boots, all you need is a new CMOS battery.

Chas

by sgt_shultz

sorry, keeping my points on this one. problem was faulty keyswitch lock. unplugged the connector and all better. but stupidly tried disconnecting the cmos battery so now have to deal with reconfiguring hard drive parameters and delicately soldering the battery back in. errrrrgh.

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