How to have a "software" keyboard when installing XP

[Darrvid]

My laptop recently has been freezing up after booting, and the only way to get it to respond would be to let the battery run down to the point that XP makes a pop up telling me to switch power sources. At that point, the system becomes functional. So, I decided to wipe everything and do a reinstall of XP. Now, I'm to the point that it's asking for my name/organization. Problem is, the mouse pad and keyboard aren't responding. I was able to get the mouse working by using a usb mouse. I don't have a usb keyboard around though, but isn't there a way to bring up an onscreen keyboard and use the mouse to type?

I'm not sure what the problem is with the input functions though, I was thinking a reinstall would clear up my problems but this doesn't seem like a good start.

 

[cprince]

I think that you have some hardware problems with the laptop.

 

[Darrvid]

The keyboard does work, I used it to navigate the bios. Also, the touchmouse pad was working before I did the HD wipe. I'm not really sure whats going on, 'cause it was working fine. This came out of the blue.

 

[Darrvid]

Originally posted by: Darrvid
The keyboard does work, I used it to navigate the bios. Also, the touchmouse pad was working before I did the HD wipe. I'm not really sure whats going on, 'cause it was working fine. This came out of the blue.

edit: anyway, I'd like to at least get win xp installed and then troubleshoot. Since I have a working mouse is there a way to click to type when installing? I need to input the cd key etc.

 

[PurdueRy]

I think you need to use a PS/2 keyboard sometimes if your BIOS does not support a USB keyboard...have one?

 

[Darrvid]

I still don't know what the problem was, but I had to unplug the comp to let the battery die, the power button wouldn't let me reboot. Anyway, I did a repair install, then a full install and it seems to be up and running. Hopefully I won't have this issue popping up randomly.