Member Avatar for rerror

i have an old computer downstairs which my parents use, and i want to change a few things in the bios.

my problem is, the ps2 keyboard only starts working after its too late to access the bios.

i dont know if im explaining this well but at a certain point windows makes the keyboard active. but i need it working right at the start to access the bios.

any ideas? im running xp pro

  • 5 Contributors
  • 6 Replies
  • 93 Views
  • 4 Days Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by Suspishio

Dani AI

Generated

Several good suggestions already appear in the thread (, and ). Below is a compact, practical diagnostic checklist that avoids re-stating the already-suggested key-press tips and focuses on what actually makes a keyboard unavailable during POST versus available only after Windows loads.

Start with the hardware basics

  • Verify the keyboard and the connector are truly PS/2 (not a USB-style keyboard or a converter). Try a different, simple PS/2-only keyboard if you can borrow one. Plug it into the keyboard-labeled port on the back of the PC (older systems use a purple port for keyboard).
  • Watch the keyboard LEDs at power-up. If Num/Scroll/ Caps lock never blink at POST but light up once XP loads, the motherboard did not see the device during POST.

If the keyboard is still inactive at POST

  • Reset CMOS to restore BIOS defaults (power off, unplug, ground yourself, remove the coin cell for a few minutes or use the board jumper per the manual). This can clear a setting that prevents early keyboard init and will not harm hardware if done carefully. Note: record any custom BIOS settings first.
  • After reset, test again with a known-good PS/2 keyboard. If the keyboard now works at POST you can enter BIOS and adjust settings permanently.

When to suspect a fault

  • If a true PS/2 keyboard never works at POST even after a CMOS reset, the motherboard keyboard controller or the port itself may be faulty. At that point either try a different motherboard or use a service shop. If the keyboard only becomes active once the OS loads, that strongly points to a USB-negotiation/driver issue or a converter—hardware-level input during POST is missing.

Safety notes: always unplug power before opening the case and avoid shorting components. These steps should isolate whether the problem is a peripheral, a BIOS setting, or a motherboard fault.

Recommended Answers

All 6 Replies

Member Avatar for binoj_daniel

It does not matter whether you are using a PS2 keyboard or AT keyboard both will be accessible during boot allowing you to enter the BIOS. If you are not able to get in to the BIOS then probably you are not using the right keys or not hiting at thye right time.

Please check your machine model for the keys.

Member Avatar for binoj_daniel

You can enter the BIOS setup screen by pressing "Ctrl + F1" for your model

Member Avatar for caperjack

if you start hitting [over and over ] the key needed to enter the bios as soon as you turn on the computer it should go to the bios

Member Avatar for binoj_daniel

Any luck with your BIOS issue?

Member Avatar for jbennet

Please tell me you are not using a PS/2 to USB adapter

Member Avatar for Suspishio

Please tell me you are not using a PS/2 to USB adapter

LOL! Never got that damn thing to work.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.