My Keyboard Won't Respond When Reinstalling the XP Service Pack CD
- 1). Check the PS2-type keyboard connection on the back of your computer. A PS2 keyboard has a round plug. Users can easily make the mistake of plugging the keyboard into the mouse port, and vice versa, and this simple mistake can cause a keyboard failure. A keyboard plug can also wiggle free or become damaged. Examine the tiny pins inside the round plug: none should be bent over. Plug the keyboard snugly into the correct port.
- 2). Look at the place where you plug in a USB-type keyboard. If your computer has more than two USB ports on the back, use the uppermost port. Don't plug your keyboard into any lower ports or the port on the front of the computer if you have a choice. In some instances, these "lesser" USB port drivers load later in the Windows setup routine. If your keyboard is plugged into one of these lesser ports, you may not have a functioning keyboard when you need it--which is almost immediately in the Windows XP setup routine.
- 3). Turn on your computer. The BIOS program will immediately tell you if the keyboard appears to be missing from your system. You will hear a beep and see a keyboard failure message on your screen. If this happens, turn off your computer.
- 4). Change to a PS2 keyboard if possible, especially if you were using a USB keyboard. If you don't have this option, because your computer doesn't have a PS2 port, try a different USB keyboard and a different USB port. If you're using a wireless keyboard, change to a wired model: Wireless keyboards can be finicky in the best of circumstances but they can utterly fail to load in this situation.
- 5). Turn off the computer and remove the side cover. Unplug all the cables from the back of the computer. Find the silver nickel-sized clock battery on the board and remove it. There is a small silver spring holding it in position: Depress this spring and the battery will pop out. After removing the clock battery, depress your power button for 10 seconds to discharge all the electricity out of the motherboard. Reinsert the battery. The engraved printing on the face of the battery should face up.
- 6). Reconnect all the cables and try to boot again. You may receive several error messages this time, related to your computer's inner clock settings. If you have keyboard functions, open your BIOS program (by pressing "F1" or "F2") and reset your clock to the present date and time. You should have no problem rebooting to start the Windows installation from the disc now.
- 7). Consult with a computer repair professional if you still have no keyboard after trying all of these steps. Your motherboard may be damaged. Replacement of the motherboard may be possible.
Source...