XP Install: Mouse and Keyboard don't work

[AoErat]

So I'm running a repair install of Windows XP today. I get to a part where I need to click yes/no. Should be simple, right? Oh wait, neither my mouse nor keyboard can select an option! Say, I'll just try their ps/2 counterparts (currently USB), oh wait those don't work eiher!

I might note that keyboard works fine in BIOS, other boot disks, etc. Just the Windows XP (home) installer where it doesn't.

Anyone have a clue what might be causing this? Mighty tough to install when all your forms of input cease to function. Google search yields a couple other people with the same problem, some of them solved by switching to USB from ps/2 or vice versa, but that didn't work for me of course.

 

[mechBgon]

PS/2 ports are function-specific (keyboard or mouse) despite the plugs fitting either one, but it sounds like you're experienced enough to avoid swapping them. Maybe the motherboard is failing. It's not overclocked, is it?

 

[AoErat]

Definately not swapped. Colors as well as etchings match up. Motherboard isn't OCed, nor are any other components for that matter. If it is failing, wouldn't the keyboard not work at any point? Since it does work on other boot cds, the bios, even the initial windows install screen (where you select install/recovery console/exit). Or is it possible that a failing mobo could cause it not to work just during specific operations?

 

[mechBgon]

Or maybe it's something about the Windows Repair process. Can you try a fresh install, or do you need to salvage the existing one?

 

[AoErat]

I would really *like* to keep my existing install, but I have backed up the files, so a fresh reinstall wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility. I'm just worried that AFTER I format the drive and begin the reinstall, I get the same error ....

 

[LeetestUnleet]

You could try a fresh install on either a different partition or a different drive to see if you get the same error, if you're afraid of losing everything. It may very well be a corrupted Install disk and the drivers just aren't loading properly, but honestly, I've never had that happen. It's not impossible though, I guess...

 

[Monkey muppet]

Originally posted by: AoErat
I would really *like* to keep my existing install, but I have backed up the files, so a fresh reinstall wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility. I'm just worried that AFTER I format the drive and begin the reinstall, I get the same error ....

I had the same problem when upgrading/changing OS from XP SP2 to XP MCE2005.

Use the "Files and Settings Transefer" Wizard to back-up on a DVD or some network space.

Fresh install from a low-level format on the drive

Transfer the files saved on DVD or that network space we were talking about

 

[AoErat]

@leetest: Unfortunately I don't have another drive I can do an install on. My backup file drive is full and the only other drive is this one. I've installed fine off this disk before, so unless it got scratched or something strange like that there shouldn't be a physical problem with the disk, right?

@monkey: that looks like it might be my only option ...

 

[LeetestUnleet]

Originally posted by: AoEratI've installed fine off this disk before, so unless it got scratched or something strange like that there shouldn't be a physical problem with the disk, right?

In theory, but not all physical problems are visible. I'm also assuming that it's a known-good CD drive that isn't notorious for improperly loading data and about to fail?

 

[AoErat]

CD Drive is in excellent condition, just a few months old and has never failed yet.

I suppose the Windows CD could be damaged, but somehow that seems like a distant possibility.

 

[LeetestUnleet]

If you don't have another drive to test it on, how about another partition? You could use Partition Magic or whatever your utility of choice is to do so without losing any data, assuming you have enough free space left on the primary partition to create another one out of it.

 

[AoErat]

Ok, I can try that I suppose. Thanks, will report back.

 

[AoErat]

Problem resolution: Reformat drive, re-install Windows XP entirely. Mouse & Keyboard worked fine in this situation.