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:

ok, well my ghetto solution is now I am making an automated XP install disk
This is also hindered by the absence of a floppy drive, but it seems I can remake the xp image with the unattended setup file I made, so we'll see how that plays out.
hopefully this will solve my problems, at least it may be a solution for people with cd-burners and time to waste!

Got me to pondering on this one during the time since my last post -

There *is* such thing as an XP boot floppy/cd which installs and initializes your usb ports for keyboards and mice then lets you start xp setup - where to get it, however, I dunno. Check M$dotcom perhaps?

Serial mouse worked with the opposite number looking plug of the vga plug. Serial keyboard had the fat cigar plug that looked like a 1/2inch ps2 plug. There *was* a jumper though that plugged to the mouse serial port and handled both mouse and keyboard. Longshot, but hey you're in dire straits after all..

Will an Automated XP install disk input your key automatically without your input, or are you gonna hang on that spot again?

there is a place in the unattented setup file for a product key, so i'm guessing it does what it says, a fully automated install.
Ill post after its done, i hope...

What did dell say??

I am curious..

MLF

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rcgreen

I can't believe they took away the ps/2 ports when usb is so unstable.

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No kidding. We were imaging a couple of hundred Dells back in September.
We'd often have to switch usb ports for the mouse and keyboard to get
them working during and after the install. Unfortunately, I wasn't in on
the image creation process so I don't know how far any advice of mine
will take you.

You might try what I do with our ThinkPads: use the factory image and
reinstall XP over the top using the repair option. First, I pull out most of
the ThinkPad utilities to thin things out. And anything else I don't want
from the factory. Mfg'ers put so much junk software in their units anymore...

Not sure if it is an issue, but I would check the USB support settings in the BIOS.

It might be totally unrelated, but I seem to recall some sort of issue relating to whether "legacy USB support" was turned on or off?

:)

ok you will not believe this:
swaped back to the First keyboard I was using when this occoured. Same problem. Took out the mouse, and now its working....
hmmm
so i dunno, maybe the mouse and the keyboard dont get along with winxp setup...? its a trackball usb mouse, and I dunno what else to think, cause I can not replicate the error with it unplug'd.

Anyway, to any one having this problem, unplug your mouse i guess...