[rjf_techgirl]

I am trying to do a clean install of Windows XP Pro on a Dell Optiplex 740. My problem is that once I'm in the install program, I am stuck. The installation/setup program will not recognize the keyboard. I can't hit Enter, F3, R or anything.

Yes, I have tried different ports and different keyboards. I ran diagnostics and they came up clean with no problems.

These machines do not have PS/2 ports.

Any suggestions? Is there a setting that should be changed in the BIOS?

Also, the PCs do not have floppy drives so I can't boot from a Windows XP, 98 or anything else floppy either.

[Old Rich]

Look in BIOS for a "Enable legacy USB" setting . . Those machines usually only the top two USB ports are "live" during the installation

[bearone2]

a clean install requires l, c, enter, etc for removing/creating/formatting. follow the prompts.

you'll also need drivers, unique to that machine, for chipset, video, audio and ethernet/nic, chipset 1st.

just did this on my son's dell desktop.

[rjf_techgirl]

I've looked through every setting in the BIOS and I see nothing about Legacy USB. All the USB ports are set to "ON"

[bearone2]

all usb's might not work until the chipset drivers are loaded.

[rjf_techgirl]

Originally Posted by bearone2

a clean install requires l, c, enter, etc for removing/creating/formatting. follow the prompts.

you'll also need drivers, unique to that machine, for chipset, video, audio and ethernet/nic, chipset 1st.

I understand that you are trying to be helpful, but I do know what a clean install requires. I do this for a living, reinstall and reimage desktops and laptops every single day. I'm not asking for help with doing a clean install. I'm asking for a work around for the situation that I find myself in which is new to me.

We have only just gotten this particular model of Dell in (Optiplex 740) and this is the first time I've been in a situation where the keyboard does not function in the install screen. Without a functioning/recognized keyboard, it's impossible to hit any keys or follow any prompts.

I need to get the PC to recognize/use the USB keyboard so that I can start the install.

[bearone2]

at work they added one of these goofy, multi funcion usb keyboards without software.

f11 doesn't work for full screen, f5 doesn't refresh, as both keys have other functions.

perhaps the mb/usb has died.

from dell:
the Optiplex 740 is a flexible, mainstream business desktop maximized for performance, stability and manageability. And, for the first time ever, Dell will offer an industry-leading 18-month lifecycle with this system.

[pllobell]

techgirl - Have you called Dell? They're usually pretty good with their support.

[Old Rich]

Look on the keyboard something like Function Lock . . sometimes that getrs pressed and messes with the keyboard working right

[Rich-M]

Rich is "dead-on" look for F-lock and release it. It's a key probably all the way over on the right, top row.

[pllobell]

I doubt it's an F-lock:

Yes, I have tried different ports and different keyboards.

[ozrom1e]

I was wondering if this keyboard you are using is it the USB keyboard that came with the Dell? If it is not then it probably might never work until the drivers for it are installed. I have a computer down stairs that will not boot without the original keyboard. I think it is something that is programed into the chip(s) in the keyboard.

[pllobell]

That could be true ozrom1e. I use an Apple USB keyboard with my computer. If it crashes or I don't shut it off gracefully, it won't boot up unless I hook a PS2 keyboard up to it.

[springs913]

rjf_techgirl, im havin the exact same problem, have you found a solution?

[Citrus]

maybe i can help
well ...
try to make unnatend instalation cd
then when the instalation is done
you will be at home
( i suppose that you know what to do )
i am right ?
( and ofcourse how to do )

regards
cit