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Serious help with Windows XP Install!!!!???

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Okay here it goes. Recently I got hit with an annoying piece of software named “Antivirus 2008 XP” It bombards you with pop ups, system errors, informs you that you have over 2,000+ viruses (yeah right) and hijacks the web browser. The first time I had this I used a free program called SmitFraudFix and it cleared it right up. That was a different version of AP2008XP this one doesn’t completely go away after using SmitFraud, but it did minimize most of the annoyance/damage. I have everything backed up so I figured what the hell and I would just reinstall Windows XP with the CD and have a new copy of XP and be done with it all. Now here is the problem

Somehow my keyboard is not activated or no longer works during the system boot up. After the E-machines logo screen it says “To boot from CD press any key now” and it gives me 10 seconds before moving on. My numlock light is on and it appears the keyboard is working, except no matter what I press it doesn’t register and I can’t boot from the CD. Same thing goes with trying to start up in safemode. I can’t push F8 to get it going and whenever I have seen a screen that asks how I want to start Windows up with it doesn’t let me scroll down the list, select, and hit enter. I can’t do anything! This sucks royally!

Also for no reason now everytime I start windows it asks if I want to start up using Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition or default (windows). Again it gives me the option of scrolling through the list, but with a keyboard that doesn’t work I cant do jack. Inevitably it selects the default which is my Windows XP HE, so I don’t really know how that crap started up out of the blue, but whatever. I have tried to start up in safemode by opening MSCONFIG selecting BOOT.INI tab and hitting /Safeboot but even that doesn’t seem or act like the typical safemode I’m used to.

I guess I am wondering how can I get the keyboard to activate so I can actually press any key and boot from the CD? If I can’t then is there a way to force it to boot from a CD without pressing anything? I hope this is fixable!

Thanks a million!

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Clarifications

In reply to Serious help with Windows XP Install!!!!???

Clarifications

A couple of checks

In reply to Serious help with Windows XP Install!!!!???

Check your user manual or Google for it and reset the CMOS, you will have to reset your Boot devices EG: CD ROM.

An unplugged keyboard, or one that is faulty, should produce a keyboard error message during startup. This might produce a configuration error message that says ?Press F1 to continue.?

If you think it is a hardware problem, replace it with a known good keyboard as it is really inexpensive to buy one.

You could check the BIOS settings if you are able to: Switch on USB keyboard support if it isn’t enabled.

Tip: Hold a Key down, this will cause a stuck key error, which may allow you to enter the BIOS setup.

If it is PS2 and it is not working when you try a known good keyboard it is probably the PS2 port on the motherboard that is at fault. Try using a USB keyboard.

If it’s the keyboard you might be able to fix it by raising it 4″-6″ from a flat surface, turning it over so that the Keys are facing down and letting it go. If that does’nt work replace it.

Keep us informed as to your progress if you require further assistance.

If you think that any of the posts that have been made by all TR Members, have solved or contributed to solving the problem, please Mark them as Helpful so that others may benefit from the outcome.

Could this be it?

In reply to A couple of checks

First off I have no clue how to reset a boot drive or what the CMOS is. I don’t have the manual anymore. It is about 3 years old. Now the keyboard is not a USB board, but an old plug or whatever they are called. Here is the crazy part. The last time I had this crap, before I could get it totally gone I couldnt use my keyboard and boot from the CD, but once I did get this crap out of my system it worked just fine and I could boot. I should have reinstalled while I had the chance lol. I will try a diff keyboard, but do you know of anything in the internal os of windows XP as to why it wouldn’t activate a keyboard? Do you think there is still part of this strand of antivirus2008xp somewhere that is commanding it not to allow functionality of the keyboard? Thanks a lot!

No….

In reply to Could this be it?

If the hardware functions properly, Windows doesn’t even come into play when the keyboard is being detected/activated. Either the BIOS sees the keyboard during POST, or it doesn’t. Some computers require a PS2 keyboard to have functionality before Windows starts. Some can boot with a USB keyboard (no PS2 needed) and can access the BIOS and other start up options well before the OS kicks in.

Since the BIOS is what gives you the option on the screen to “press any key to boot to CD”, it obviously sees that device and is set to boot to CD as first device. It just gives you the option in case you’ve accidentaly left a CD in the drive when you last shut down.

So, now you need to set the BIOS to halt if there is a keyboard error and see if that’s what is causing the problem. If the BIOS can’t see (detect/activate) your keyboard, it should halt the computer.

Since you didn’t tell us what make/model of computer you have, here are a few things to try while turning on the system.

Turn on the monitor first so it’s warmed up. When you first turn on the computer and see anything at all on the screen, start pressing any of these keys below, one at a time, even multiple times through the list if you have time, before you see the Windows starting logo…

DEL (mine uses this key)
F1 (older Compaqs use this key)
F2 (most DELL’s use this key)
F10
F11
F12

If and when you get to the BIOS, you’re going to want to look for an option to Halt on ALL Errors. It’s probably currently set to Halt on All Errors Except Keyboard. Sorry, without knowing what kind of computer you have, it’s hard to tell you where that option is going to be located.

…

Comp Info

In reply to No….

Okay. I have an E-machines with 32bit AMD Processor its about 2GHZ with 1GIG RAM. It just has the stock keyboard with it. This is starting to make sense to me a bit now. Now my question is if I can still never get my keyboard to work how and where can I access the BIOS to play around with these options? BTW I have tried to press all of the typical Function keys to access menus before startup, but nothing. Thanks for all of your help so far. Its great having a resource like this where people can get a hold of you and help quickly! 🙂

If the Keyboard isn’t USB

In reply to Comp Info

it will be PS2, nowdays even USB Keyboards come with a PS2 adapter so that they can be used either way. 😉

Until you try another PS2 connection with another Keyboard to that port you won’t know if it is the port has failed on the Motherboard. 😉

You’ll need another keyboard.

In reply to Comp Info

Do you have, or can you get your hands on, another keyboard to test with? If the one you have won’t work on boot up, it may not be working correctly after Windows starts either. After all, how often do we use those F keys in Windows? They may just be bad. 😉

My advice would be to go buy another keyboard. Look for one that has either native PS2 connection or, if it’s a USB keyboard, it comes with a PS2 adapter. Your BIOS may not recognize a USB keyboard and Windows might not either until after it starts and Plug n Pray finds it. You need something that can work before any OS starts or you won’t be able to type your Windows password the first time it’s used. After that and IF the BIOS recognizes a USB keyboard, you can remove the adapter.

Once you can get into the BIOS to set it to halt on all errors, you COULD test your old keyboard just to be sure. But, if the new keyboard works, why bother? Just toss the old one. 😉

…

Trying a USB keyboard this afternoon

In reply to Serious help with Windows XP Install!!!!???

Okay so yeah I have the stock keyboard which is a SP2 port on it or connection. I am going to run home today and get my other keyboard from a different computer which is USB. I’m thinking that will work, because when it boots up my wireless mouse which is USB is on and seems ready to go so I’m pretty sure the BIOS will detect my new USB keyboard. Either way I will be sure to have an adapter just in case. I’ll get back to you and let you know what comes! Thanks! 🙂

Keep

In reply to Trying a USB keyboard this afternoon

us posted. 😉

Your new USB Keyboard

In reply to Trying a USB keyboard this afternoon

should have arrived with a USB/PS2 adaptor that is normally mauve/purple in colour.

Check your user manual for the PC’s Motherboard or Google for it or post the Make and Model and reset the CMOS by shorting the jumper, you will have to reset your Boot devices EG: CD/DVD ROM, Floppy Drive and hard Drive.

If that works you can then check the BIOS settings and switch on USB keyboard support if it isn’t enabled and reset your Boot devices.

One of these keys should get you in.

Common BIOS entry Keys

F1

F2

DEL

ESC

F10

You will know when to press this key when they see a message similar to the below example as the computer is booting. Some older computers may also display a flashing block to indicate when to press the F1 or F2 keys.

Press to enter BIOS setup

Tip: Hold a Key down, this will cause a stuck key error, which may allow you to enter the BIOS setup.

Keep us informed as to your progress if you require further assistance.

If you think that any of the posts that have been made by all TR Members, have solved or contributed to solving the problem, please Mark them as Helpful so that others may benefit from the outcome. 😉

Check PC Info

In reply to Your new USB Keyboard

Okay. When I get home I will get the exact specs of my PC. I don’t know what kind of motherboard or all of that but I will get whatever I can and hopefully you guys know what to do with that particalar one.

So it seems I will have to reset the CMOS because I can’t access the BIOS at all. Non of the F keys work as well as delete or anything to try and access it.

Check back soon for comp info!

Thanks a million!

Regarding your original problem. AntiVirus200x

In reply to Serious help with Windows XP Install!!!!???

I haven’t had to use it but I keep seeing it recommended as a reliable solution to AntiVirus 200X

http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

win 2008 antiv is a spyware

In reply to Serious help with Windows XP Install!!!!???

win 98 antiv is a spyware bro. you can remove that using a reliable spyware remover, but u cant use keyboard ayt>? u can use usb keyboard so that youre be able to remove those thing or you can also back up your files then format it up :)) spywares have rootkits the virus continue reproduce and duplicates causing your pc slow

USB keyboard = more of the same!

In reply to win 2008 antiv is a spyware

Okay. First off I do know that Antivirus 2008 is an annoying pos spyware program. I guess it has been hitting the web pretty hard as their are a lot of people that have had this thing. The first time I had this thing I used a freeware program called SmitFraudFix to get rid of it. I had to start my computer up in safemode to get it to clean it all up. The main thing SmitFraud would do is check the windows wininet.dll file to see if it was infrected. I guess that is the main file the spyware would go after. Now that was Antivirus 2008 pro this time around I have Antivrus 2008 XP. I don’t know if does something different or trys to infect a different .dll file, but SmitFraudFix won’t FIX it! Sucky! Now it does say I have to be in safemode, (which is quite difficult since I can’t get in there using my keyboard at startup) I used MSCONFIG and manually told it to boot in safe mode, but it doesn’t seem like the normal safemode im used to seeing. So when I tried to run SmitFraud in what I think was safemode it said it couldn’t access a bunch of files or processes because they couldn’t be found or they are in use by a diff program. So I tried to get rid of this manually and think I have, but here is the real kicker.

Before removing the first Antivirus 2008 I couldn’t use my keyboard to access my XP cd. Right after I officially completely removed AV2008PRO with SmitFraud BINGO I could use the keyboard and boot from the CD. (I’m so pissed I didn’t just reinstall XP when I had the chance! AHH!) So here is what I am thinking. I am almost convinced that something to do with Antivirus 2008 XP is preventing me from accessing my keyboard and being able to boot. I couldn’t before it was totally gone, and even though I think its gone, it must not be because I can’t boot even with two different keyboards! Is there any truth to this? Could a virus honestly prevent me from using a keyboard before windows loads? I know it doesn’t seem like it could, but I really wonder.

So I have tried the USB keyboard and nothing. Now I thought I heard someone say that I should buy an adapter so I can have the USB turn back into a PS2 port correct? Now what am I going to do if even that doesn’t work? lol I hope it doesn’t get to that!

Well let me know what is going on. I really really appreciate the help! Thanks a million everyone 🙂

Not Caused by Win Antivir 2008

In reply to Serious help with Windows XP Install!!!!???

Keyboard failure during boot process is NOT related to Win Antivir 2008. It is adware/spyware and does not contain a BIOS infector. I’ve removed it and similar iterations a number of times. Malware Bytes AntiMalware is an effective and easy to use removal tool. Also does a good job with many other nasties.

To recap:

Did you enable Legacy USB support or USB keyboard support in BIOS? Those settings may not be present, but must be enabled if present.

Have you tried resetting CMOS? Most motherboards have a jumper to clear CMOS. Place jumper on pins 2 and 3 with PC turned off and replace on pins 1 and 2 before turning PC on. If you can’t find jumper, remove CMOS battery (coin cell) for a few minutes and replace — once again with PC turned off.

When you unplugged and replugged PS/2 keyboard, was PC turned off? PS/2 keyboards and mice are not hot pluggable.

Finally my PC Specs for you guys!

In reply to Serious help with Windows XP Install!!!!???

Okay here it is!

I have an E-machines T3256 PC. It has the following:

AMD Athlon XP 3200+ Processor
NVIDIA nForce 2 chipset
512RAM
160G HD

Sound and video cards are both NVIDIA GeForce’s

I guess I can’t see anything that says what type of motherboard it is. Hope this is some information to help anyone!

I am going to try to find a user manual out there and see what I can find. Thanks a lot guys!

James

See how you go with this

In reply to Finally my PC Specs for you guys!

Clear CMOS: CLR_CMOS
The CMOS RAM is powered by the onboard button cell battery. To clear the
RTC data:
(1) Turn off your computer
(2) Place the jumper cap onto the pinpair
2-3 at least 6 seconds to enable CMOS clearance
(3) Place the jumper cap onto
the pinpair 1-2 to disable the effect of CMOS clearance
(4) Turn on your computer
until CMOS checksum error appears
(5) Hold down the Delete key when
boots
(6) Enter the BIOS Setup to re-enter user preferences.

http://www.darkwing-squad.com/downloads/applications/AU31_manual.pdf

The Clear CMOS jumper is right next to the battery which will be at the front and to the left on the Motherboard. Ground yourself by placing the back of your hand on the Power Supply Unit and not moving your feet. By not taking this precaution it is possible that you could inadvertantly cause damage to the PC from an electrostatic discharge.

< to add >
You may need a magnifying glass to read the writing on the board or a penlight.
Keep us informed as to your progress if you require further assistance.

If you think that any of the posts that have been made by all TR Members, have solved or contributed to solving the problem, please Mark them as Helpful so that others may benefit from the outcome. 😉

Something you should do

In reply to Finally my PC Specs for you guys!

Is turn off the mains power at the wall socket when ever you work inside your pc
Some power supplies have a switch on the back that you can use instead

The standby power supply circuit can still be active when the power light is off on the front of the computer

FIXED FINALLY!!!! :-) But new problem :-(

In reply to Something you should do

Okay I finally got my stupid keyboard to work!

I was browsing around the e-machines site and saw a link for “live chat” with a tech, so I figured what the hell.

I told him what was up and he had said he suspected a motherboard failure. I was like BS what are you talking about? He told me I needed to bring it in and have someone open it up and look at it (yeah right). I asked if there was ANYTHING possible I could do? He told me I should try to reseat the memory.

BINGO! I opened up the PC, reseated both 512RAM sticks and just like it should the keyboard worked! I was able to access the boot cd and reinstall XP!

Thanks for all of your help guys. This was a great experience. I will be sure to come back to this site for more assistance in the future and speak of the devil I do need a bit more help lol.

So I have a fresh copy of XP on. Brand new reformated HD completely a fresh start just like I wanted. Now I have run into an even BIGGER problem.

I use Qwest High Speed DSL as my ISP. I have their advanced networking modem. Now when I insert my Qwest QuickConnect Install CD it runs through the setup. When it got to the part of finding my modem and internet connections it couldn’t find anything. It would try and try, but it would not and could not PING 192.168.0.1. I had the Windows Firewall turned off. The freaking modem is on the damn ethernet light blinks as well as the DSL/Internet lights. It totally looks like its working.

This is the stock ethernet port I am using on my computer. It is not an aftermarket ethernet card I put it or anything. I checked the device manager, but I cant find anything that is an ethernet port. The only thing I can find is “Ethernet Controller” It has a yellow question mark on it. I check it out and it has no drivers. I would have thought that this would be working since this is part of the motherboard. Is this what I need to get working the “Ethernet Controller” If so should I search for some drivers and burn em to CD and install on my PC?

Thanks again guys you are miracles! 🙂

Do you still have

In reply to FIXED FINALLY!!!! :-) But new problem :-(

the Motherboard CD as you will find the drivers that you need are on there.
If you haven’t got access to the CD try this.
Download CPU-Z and extract it to a folder.
Run cpuz.exe and click on About and under Tools you will see Registers Dump (.txt) click on it and save the file.
Post the Mainboard Model for us to see what you are running.

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

Keep us informed as to your progress if you require further assistance.

If you think that any of the posts that have been made by all TR Members, have solved or contributed to solving the problem, please Mark them as Helpful so that others may benefit from the outcome. 😉

All good!

In reply to Do you still have

Were all good now. I found a site that told me what drivers I needed. It was a site that had all of the e-machine drivers for every e-machine PC in the last decade or so. Pretty nice site! Pretty lame that e-machines official site doesn’t have any support like that for their users. Oh well!

I got all of my drivers now so everything is great! Runs like new 🙂

Thanks again for all of your help guys. You are the best!!!

Keep in mind that this might happen again, so keep all data backed up.

In reply to All good!

Please post back if you have any more problems or questions.
If this information is useful, please mark as helpful. Thanks.

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