I'm running Windows XP pro with McAvee Professional and ROadrunner broadband. My keyboard is dead; I can't even access my op system. I can't get into safe mode (F8) What can I do? (still can use mouse)
Thanks

 

first check the conections or try another keyboard if they are not options or ones you have tried then click your way to restore and try that
programs , accesories, system tolls, system restore

 

no idea but a start would be to unplug the ethernet cable

 

programs/accesorries/accessibility/on screen keyboard

 

okay i'm on my back-up system on dail up ill try the key board. i can't enter a pass word to log on ???? i tried putting the op disk in nothin.

 

Before jumping to any conclusions - is your keyboard plugged in firmly? Have you tried using a different keyboard with the computer in question? If the keyboard is definitely not the issue I'd unplug the network cable and restart. Nobody can hack you if you're not connected to anything!

 

I have XP also and this happens to me every once in a while. I dont' think its anything big, I just restart it, and it works fine.
When you first turn it on, check and see if the Caps Lock is working.
-and I checked my connections too, they are good.

 

okay i got back in using a external keyboard on my laptop. ran spybot, founnd some bugs and stomped them, then ran virus scan and found more bugs. i also found that my firewall was turned off hmmm????now how do i get my keyboard to work again ? i checked the properties but it shows the external one hooked up........

i rebboted several times but still nothin

on edit:in device manager it only shows the external keyboard also ,no yellow flags

it also quit working while i was repling to a post...

...and thanks for the fast response to this thread guys you don't know how much i appreciate it

 

I would assume it's automatic, as some of them are with displays, if they detect something on the VGA or DVI it'll automatically try that. Likewise, if it detects something on the PS/2 or USB port, it automatically tries that. So unplug it. If the keyboard doesn't work (again), take it to wherever you got it. Or, if you're hardcore (or just don't care about warrantees), pop the keyboard out and check the connections. They'll be thin ribbon cable attached to a flimsy thin plastic clip, if you're very very careful you can unclip it, reseat the cable, and clip it again. If you're not careful, you'll snap the clip and you'll be screwed.

Because the external keyboard works, i'm going to have to suggest that it was a hardware failure, not a hacker. 99% of hackers wouldn't bother disabling your system unless they were doing something with it... and why disable your system when they can attack a more vulnerable system that isn't being used, so they can make use of it without anyone noticing? Honestly. It would have to be either a script-kiddie or a retarded hacker that would disable the keyboard on your laptop.

And as a final note, software firewalls pretty much suck. Secure your operating system by turning off services you don't need, and go with a hardware firewall (whether it's a standalone firewall, a router, or a linux router) and you'll be much more secure.

 

[QUOTE=f=2504by497]okay i got back in using a external keyboard on my laptop. ran spybot, founnd some bugs and stomped them, then ran virus scan and found more bugs. i also found that my firewall was turned off hmmm????

If you have a software firewall on your laptop, viruses can easily disable them. If your PC/Laptop stays mostly at home, invest in a router.

As for your keyboard, try adding new hardware (control panel) and see if it gets discovered. Perhaps it was somehow deleted from the system.

 

How did you type all these posts??

 

I'm assuming he typed at least the first few from another computer.

 

okay i tried system restore no changes. tried to update the driver. no dice. i un plugged the external board and i can see my laptops keyboard drivers.

next i'll try removing the keyboard.

oh by the way the laptop is a dell inspiron 2500 pIII 733

and keep those idea's coming

 

can you get into the bios? (F12 on Dells IIRC. Just hit all of the Fx buttons as soon as it boots, also hit esc, del, ins, enter, ctrl, and alt... eventually you'll find the one that will get you to the bios) If the keyboard works in the BIOS, it's a windows issue. If it doesn't, it's a hardware issue.

 

yea.. i got a old computor still hooked to modem that i keep seperate from my laptop but i use my laptop for buisness ..it doeswork with the external keyboard.
i had just installed a new 30g hd and it went south on me it won't let me get online no matter what i do ...so i put this drive back in 2 weeks ago till i figure out what happened with it. and now this......like i said i found a bunch of virus and that my fire wall was turned off i havent figured that yet.....

once again thanks a bunch FTE'ERS