"Steve" <ptrphil***@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:2yY0e.8500$S46.5830@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net...
> I have a problem where the ps/2 port for my keyboard no longer functions.
I
> tried different keyboards, with the same result (no response at all in
XP.)
> So I picked up a USB keyboard, and no problems in XP. However; I need to
> update the bios for several reasons, but Legacy support for the USB
keyboard
> was never enabled in the CMOS setting, and I cannot reach the setup screen
> since the USB keyboard doesn't function until XP loads. I am attempting to
> hook up an adapter (PS/2 to Serial)from the PS/2 keyboard to the serial
port
> on the PC, but to no avail. The adapter has a mouse symbol on it.
>
> Does anyone know if there is a difference between a PS/2 to Serial adapter
> for a PS/2 mouse, and a PS/2 to Serial adapter for a PS/2 keyboard?
>

"philo" <ph***@privacy.net> wrote in message
news:3aj3rpF67jkk8U1@individual.net...
>
> "Steve" <ptrphil***@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:2yY0e.8500$S46.5830@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net...
>> I have a problem where the ps/2 port for my keyboard no longer functions.
> I
>> tried different keyboards, with the same result (no response at all in
> XP.)
>> So I picked up a USB keyboard, and no problems in XP. However; I need to
>> update the bios for several reasons, but Legacy support for the USB
> keyboard
>> was never enabled in the CMOS setting, and I cannot reach the setup
>> screen
>> since the USB keyboard doesn't function until XP loads. I am attempting
>> to
>> hook up an adapter (PS/2 to Serial)from the PS/2 keyboard to the serial
> port
>> on the PC, but to no avail. The adapter has a mouse symbol on it.
>>
>> Does anyone know if there is a difference between a PS/2 to Serial
>> adapter
>> for a PS/2 mouse, and a PS/2 to Serial adapter for a PS/2 keyboard?
>>
>
>
> you cannot use your ps/2 keyboard on a serial port...even with an
> adaptor...
> i've always though it odd that the bios default is usually not to enable
> legacy USB support...
> so you might just be out of luck...
>
> however...i have seen a few machines that had shorted ps/2 ports
> where the keyboard would actually work on the ps/2 mouse port.
> if that's the case you might want to try it on the mouse port...and just
> leave the mouse disconnected
>
>

"kony" <spam@spam.com> wrote in message
news:0bm841l7cln2lddqejsefpb51svcfqatid@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 25 Mar 2005 18:14:22 GMT, "Steve"
> <ptrphil***@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>>I have a problem where the ps/2 port for my keyboard no longer functions.
>>I
>>tried different keyboards, with the same result (no response at all in
>>XP.)
>
> This might be solvable, if the PS/2 ports were operating
> from 5VSB via a motherboard jumper and USB wasn't, AND your
> PSU has insufficient 5VSB current, you might be able to
> simply move the PS/2 power jumper to 5V rather than 5VSB
> position. See manual to determine if such a jumper exists
> and it's location.
>
> Another possibility might be a blown keyboard fuse.  If
> you're handy with a multimeter you could see if the PS/2
> ports have one (that fails a continuity check).  Easiest way
> to add a new fuse is to leave the old one on there and just
> tack a new one on top (for surface-mount) or wrap legs (for
> through-hole type) then solder it in place.
>
> Damage to Super I/O controller probably isn't reasonable to
> fix, and damage to physical PS/2 port socket not much
> easier.  In those cases it might be easier or more cost
> effective to get a new board (failing other alternatives).
>
>
>>So I picked up a USB keyboard, and no problems in XP. However; I need to
>>update the bios for several reasons, but Legacy support for the USB
>>keyboard
>>was never enabled in the CMOS setting, and I cannot reach the setup screen
>>since the USB keyboard doesn't function until XP loads.
>
> Since you need to update the bios anyway, you might see if
> there is a bios editor available that can set the default
> for legacy USB/keyboard to "enabled".  Then prepare a boot
> floppy to automatically flash the bios, something similar to
> using autoexec.bat with a command line to run flash program,
> unconditionally flash without user intervention, and the
> bios file name.  Even if you can't get a bios editor to mod
> the bios for the USB keyboard support setting, it would
> suffice to flash the bios.
>
> You could also consider an ISA or PCI PS/2 card, presuming
> there's any around still, Google for them.
>
>
>>I am attempting to
>>hook up an adapter (PS/2 to Serial)from the PS/2 keyboard to the serial
>>port
>>on the PC, but to no avail. The adapter has a mouse symbol on it.
>
> Are you sure the mouse itself supports this?  Might not.  In
> fact I recall at least one mouse that needed a switch (on
> the bottom) flipped to chang to/fro serial and PS/2 modes.
>
>>
>>Does anyone know if there is a difference between a PS/2 to Serial adapter
>>for a PS/2 mouse, and a PS/2 to Serial adapter for a PS/2 keyboard?
>
> It'd be the same but you appear to have one "meant" for
> mouse regardless, considering that mouse symbol on it.