Keyboard will not function and locks up PC

[MCX0x9]

I have a Dell PC running XP. The keyboard will not work and locks up the PC if you touch any key. I have booted in safe mode and removed the keyboard (it shows conflict with mouse). When XP detects the key board and attempts to reload the drivers I get the following message: "Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be missing or corrupted. Code 39." I have got the latest drivers from the internet and attempted to load them......same error message. I have not made any hardware changes....running all items that shipped with the computer and had been working with no problems for 8 months. I hope someone can HELP ME!!!! BTW I have tried using a different keyboard, same result. Keyboard connects via standard PS2 plug.

 

[nanaki333]

you positive you have the mouse plugged into the mouse port and keyboard into the keyboard port? ya never know, sometimes the simplest thing is the right answer. have you tried unplugging the mouse and just using the keyboard and seeing what happens? have you tried a USB keyboard?

what happens when you go into your BIOS? does your keyboard have full functionality? if it does, it may be your windows installation. if that's the case, run a second level repair on your windows. just boot off your windows xp disc, then when it asks if you want to run the repair console, don't do it there. then it'll detect existing windows installations then ask if you want to repair it, press R. press R and it'll go through it's lovely repair. you won't have to reload any drivers or programs.

if you already knew how to do the repair and such, sorry for going on like that. you never know. hope it helps though.

 

[LTC8K6]

Yeah, the ports are usually color coded on a Dell, it's pretty hard to mismatch the colors.

If you are sure you have tried everything you can, I'd get a USB mouse and keyboard and see if they will work. You can damage those PS2 ports by plugging things in when they are hot, particularly if you plug in the wrong thing.

You may have to get into your BIOS and enable USB keyboard and mouse support for the USB stuff to work.

 

[MCX0x9]

I have made sure mouse and keyboard are connected to right plugs. Yes the keyboard works fine in BOIS and the mouse will work in the safe mode. But as soon as you touch any key on the keyboard it hoses the system. I will try the repair console as you suggested. Thanks for taking time to respond to my problem.

 

[PegLeg]

Hi. Sorry to butt in, but I have the same problem as MCXOx9 or is that 0x9. I want just to add that my wireless keyboard and mouse with a PS/2 connected receiver function properly when attached to the same computer. Is that because they have support software and drivers whereas Windows XP should just recognize the OEM keyboard and install the necessary drivers? Hope the OS repair works.