USB Keyboard Issue: Dell Dimension E510--N/A at Windows startup

[iladelf]

Ok, screwy deal. First time I've seen this. Dell in question, a Dimension E510, will not load a generic USB keyboard or mouse driver at either the Windows "Safe Mode" login screen, or at normal bootup. I've tried all different USB ports, both front and back on this PC, used a PS/2 to USB adapter for both keyboard and mouse, just a USB keyboard, and just a USB mouse, all to no avail. In normal mode, the "Found New Hardware" wizard begins at startup, but does not complete, since the "Found New Hardware" dialog box comes up, asking me if I want to install automatically or manually. Kind of tough to do, WHEN YOU HAVE NO KEYBOARD OR MOUSE TO DO SO!!! Argh! And in Safe Mode, I'm stuck with the login screen, with no mouse or keyboard capabilities. Naturally, this model has no PS/2 ports; this is one big reason why I wish companies hadn't gotten cheap and dumped the PS/2 ports (what's it cost ya, another $.50 to put one on, Dell?). PS/2 will work any time, not so with this Dell and USB. Guess I'm gonna have to bite the bullet, call the end user and get her original keyboard to remove her spyware issue.

It's like I'm stuck in la-la land; if the install would just complete, I could reboot and presto, the KB or mouse would work. But if I can't get KB access, I'm screwed.

FYI, I Googled until my Googler was sore on this topic; no dice. Also read the posts below, no dice, save for the one that leads me to believe that Dell has made their machines so that you HAVE to use a Dell USB keyboard at startup. That's utter garbage. And quite irritating.

http://www.technibble.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14433&highlight=keyboard+issue

http://www.technibble.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14938&highlight=keyboard+issue

Any other solutions before I eat crow and call this person? Are the manufacturers going to force us to use the same KB, mouse AND monitor for a repair at some point? Ridiculous.

 

[DentonPCRepair]

I am having the same issue. Customer dropped off the box and my USB keyboard/mouse will not work. I would also like to find some solution other than asking the customer for their keyboard.

 

[repairit]

I have had several older Dell's that will not recognize USB and will only run PS/2 like you describe. Best bet is to keep an old set of PS/2 around just in case. You could find them on the cheap on eBay or some such.

 

[ITMAN]

I had th same issue with a Dell Inspiron 501 (i think) and it would ONLY work with a DELL keyboard and mouse, and even then I had to switch the connections round until one worked, up till then, I was having the same symptons - found new hardware in loop

 

[iptech]

I have had several older Dell's that will not recognize USB and will only run PS/2 like you describe. Best bet is to keep an old set of PS/2 around just in case. You could find them on the cheap on eBay or some such.

...or just carry a couple of USB-to-PS2 converters.

 

[vdub12]

The USB keyboard I have for my shop is a Dell keyboard.

Got it at a garage sale last year for like $5

 

[coreyspeed]

...or just carry a couple of USB-to-PS2 converters.

those only work if you keyboard/mouse came with them in the first places i.e keyborads that say they will work on ps2 and usb

 

[vdub12]

those only work if you keyboard/mouse came with them in the first places i.e keyborads that say they will work on ps2 and usb

I have used them before on keyboards and mice that didn't come with them.

 

[iptech]

those only work if you keyboard/mouse came with them in the first places i.e keyborads that say they will work on ps2 and usb

Well why not carry around a USB keyboard they do work with? It beats carrying around two keyboards.

 

[Skyhooker]

I found an Intel chipset driver update on the Dell support site - here are a couple lines from the fixes list that might apply:

1. It fixes issue with USB keyboard/mouse hang until reboot while installing.
2. It fixes yellow bang in USB controller in Device Manager on a system with USB keyboard/mouse while installing.

Worth a shot.

By the way, got my morning laugh from this:

I Googled until my Googler was sore

Good luck!

Sky

 

[iladelf]

Good to know, Skyhooker. Thanks.

 

[Squeak]

The PS/2 Keyboard / mouse or converter solution only works if the computer in question has PS/2 ports. The original poster stated that the Dell in question had neither and there fore isn't of any help.

That being said, I can't really help with this issue other then state that this issue has been around for quite sometime. In the little Tech room I work at we have a number of Dell parts including keyboards and mice floating around as half the computers we tend to work with are Dells. I'm sorry to say you'll likely have to give them a call and maybe in future either buy a Dell keyboard or request the users drop them off with their PC's.

*edit
Oh and although the intel chipset drivers may help, it will be rather difficult installing them without a keyboard and mouse presently.

Squeak.