GT wrote:
> "JeffTex42" <nada@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> news:ZIqRi.4596$wF3.911@nlpi061.nbdc.sbc.com...
>> "GT" wrote ...
>>> A post the other day about USB keyboards and accessing the BIOS started me
>>> thinking... I have a USB keyboard, which I have been using for many months
>>> now and all is well. Problem is that when I want to boot and enter the
>>> BIOS, I have to plug in my old PS2 keyboard direct to the PS2 port on the
>>> PC. I don't have a setting in my BIOS that allows me to enter the BIOS
>>> with a USB keyboard - the keyboard is not recognised/loaded until after
>>> the POST is complete.
>>>
>>> My USB mouse came with a little green converter that allows me to convert
>>> the USB end of the cable into a PS2 connector. I hunted round and found
>>> another, thinking it would convert my keyboard's USB connection into a
>>> PS2, but alas it doesn't work - keyboard does nothing during or after
>>> POST. Is this a problem with the adapter, computer, keyboard, or is this
>>> just not possible with a USB keyboard?
>>>
>>> Keyboard serial number is KUS0103 and appears to be unbranded. Was a
>>> cheapy from Dabs IIRC.
>>>
>>> Googling on this results in loads links to PS2/USB adapters, but going
>>> the wrong way - they all convert old PS2 cables into USB. Incidentally,
>>> these adapters cost more than a new keyboard, so I don't really see the
>>> point!
>> I've got my usb keyboard plugged into the PS2 port via a purple adapter
>> that came with the keyboard and it works in the BIOS screens.
>>
>> Like this one ...
>> http://weship2world.com/products/sto...&ppinc=search2
>
> I wonder if the wiring in the purple (keyboard) adapter is different from
> the wiring in the green (mouse) adapter. Either that, or Grinder is right -
> the keyboard has to be up to the job of working through an adapter - my
> keyboard did not come with an adapter.
>
>
The keyboard has to be designed to work with both PS2 and USB for those
simple adapters to work. The two are very different and only those items
that came with the simple adapters will work. The active converters that
I've seen are the reverse. They allow PS2 items to be used on USB ports.