no ps2=no xp install?

All of our new dell computers come WITHOUT any ps2 ports.
So here I am trying to format one of them with a clean XP install (has xp now too)
BUT, setup freezes on the first step (welcome to setup, enter to continue)
the num lock light doesn't come on when numlock is pressed

keyboard works fine in bios, and to boot the setup cd, but seems usb is 'turned off' when setup is started... no power to the keyboard...

I've read several support articles (one from MS) stating this problem, and the solution was to use a ps2 keyboard... great... I dont have ps2...
so can I not reformat this computer???
Please help me, i'm soo confused by this switch to all usb computers, ps2 was my friend :(

you can by ps2 adapters that fit into the pci slots. or try one of those usb to ps2 connectors..??

ps2 adapter may be an option, but why should I have to buy an addon to install something thats already there now?

and the usb to ps2 are for plugging a ps2 device into a usb port, at least the one's i've seen, but thanks for the advice anyway :O

I have a drawer full of usb to ps2 adapters...usually come free with usb mice

MLF

Edit> phone dell....are you using thier disks??

maybe i'm not making myself clear...?
a ps2 adapter is to plug a ps2 device into a usb slot...
I only have usb, and usb keyboard and mouse.
I do not need an adapter, they plug into the usb!
My problem, is that USB seems to be DISABLED in XP setup.
see here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283180
their solution was to use a ps2 keyboard, in a ps2 port, not a ps2 keyboard with an adapter pluged into a usb port, because the usb gets DISABLED, so that will not work.
make more sense?
any solutions?

and yes, i'm using the dell xp cd that came with the machine in question.

Then your solution lies with Dell. I'd suggest you contact them.

There MIGHT be another fix though - ps2 to serial adaptor == serial mouse == good install yes?

great suggestion blackice!
although I'm not sure keyboard will work via that fix... and you can't click through an xp install with a mouse AFAIK. Weren't keyboards using a different plug back in the day of serial mice?
Calling dell as I type this, but i'm not expecting much help... so any other great ideas like the one above, post it here :D

Quote:

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I've read several support articles (one from MS) stating this problem, and the solution was to use a ps2 keyboard... great... I dont have ps2...
so can I not reformat this computer???

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All Dells notebook and desktop computers have a special partition on the drive. So if you ever need to re-format your system you can usually due this by pressing one of the F1-F12 keys as soon as you power it on. So their is no need for CDs.

yea, I looked there, there is only testing options on that partition and a symptom list... no option for restore. it was f12 to boot that option. If there is a different one that should have recovery options, let me know.

Sounds like you need a hardware solution. I can't believe they
took away the ps/2 ports when usb is so unstable. The pci card
may be the only answer, but is there one for the keyboard?

What you really need is a new motherboard, or a new computer.
Send the smashed pieces back to Dell, along with a horse's head.
:cool: