no ps2=no xp install?

[cross]

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!

[|3lack|ce]

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?

[cross]

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...

[morganlefay]

What did dell say??

I am curious..

MLF

[brokencrow]

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

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...

[nihil]

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?

[cross]

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...