USB keyboard in Win 2K w/ working USB card installed

[Jerry]

My most recent, wonderful heavy clicky IBM AT keyboard seems to have bit the dust. It was a PS 2 keyboard.
The newest Microsoft ergo 4000 keyboard is USB only. It seems like the one I want to get.
Using Windows 2K, SP4 with a well working USB 2 card installed, is it safe to assume that a USB keyboard should be able to plug into a remaining, unused USB 2 port and work right out of the box ?
Thanks

Jerry

 

[FlyingPenguin]

Yes, although if you have a USB 1.0 slot no need to waste a 2.0 on it. Keyboards don't need USB 2.0.

What you want to check, though, is if your system supports a USB keyboard in BIOS or you won't be able to use the USB keyboard in the BIOS menu or in any of the POST screens, or if you boot into DOS. Go into the BIOS menu and there should be a setting for "Legacy USB Support" or "USB Keyboard Support". Make sure it's enabled.

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: FlyingPenguin
Yes, although if you have a USB 1.0 slot no need to waste a 2.0 on it. Keyboards don't need USB 2.0.

What you want to check, though, is if your system supports a USB keyboard in BIOS or you won't be able to use the USB keyboard in the BIOS menu or in any of the POST screens, or if you boot into DOS. Go into the BIOS menu and there should be a setting for "Legacy USB Support" or "USB Keyboard Support". Make sure it's enabled.

and if there are any special windows keys, you might have to install their software to get them to work.

 

[Jerry]

Thanks FlyingPenguin and sniperruff. I am away from that particular computer right now, but I will check into it. Thanks for the pointers.
Jerry

 

[alevasseur14]

You could just pick up a USB to PS2 adapter. In fact, all the USB keyboards I've purchased have even come with one. No software, it'll just work.

 

[Arcanedeath]

that requires that the keyboard also support PS/2 signaling, the new Ergo 4000 is USB only it does not support PS/2 unless you get a usb to ps2 converter not just a usb to ps/2 adaptor (eg you need a chip to translate the signals because Microsoft did not include the necessary built into the keyboard for this to work properly)

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: Jerry
My most recent, wonderful heavy clicky IBM AT keyboard seems to have bit the dust. It was a PS 2 keyboard.
The newest Microsoft ergo 4000 keyboard is USB only. It seems like the one I want to get.
Using Windows 2K, SP4 with a well working USB 2 card installed, is it safe to assume that a USB keyboard should be able to plug into a remaining, unused USB 2 port and work right out of the box ?
Thanks

Jerry

Jerry,
Those old IBM Keyoboards can be repaired. Do not throw it away.


If you need a PS/2 keyboard to enable USB Support then see if you can borrow one from a neighbor.

 

[Jerry]

Those points are interesting. Thanks,
Googer, any leads on where one can have the old IBM keyboards repaired ?
I await. Thanks.
Jerry

 

[FlyingPenguin]

They still sell the old clickity IBM keyboards. Do a search on google. I used to love them myself and would still use one (old skoool typist) but the clicking drives the wife crazy so I relented and got a quiet keyboard.

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: Jerry
Those points are interesting. Thanks,
Googer, any leads on where one can have the old IBM keyboards repaired ?
I await. Thanks.
Jerry

http://www.pckeyboard.com/repair.html

That depends on what is broken. Does the keyboard POST? Or are some of the keys not working but others do when you press down on them? If it is the keyboard controller then you might be able to replace the resistor, diode, capacitor, etc your self. If you do not want to do that then most TV repair shops can troubleshoot and repair something simple as this.

I do know of one website that repairs old keyboards like yours but they fix omnikeys not IBM's. Email them and ask if they will repair yours.
http://www.northgate-keyboard-repair.com/

I do not know about thes people but you may want to contact them
http://www.commercecomputer.com/keyboards.html

Unicomp took over the manufacture of these keyboards. You can still buy a brand new one or have one customized to your liking with feautures like a built in telephone, trackball, eraser nub mouse pointer, etc
http://www.pckeyboard.com/customizer.html

 

[Jerry]

Thanks, these are valuable leads. I will proceed with the repairs.
Thanks again,
Jerry