device driver problems

  • Thread starter Thread starter badgolferman
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badgolferman

I have taken over administration of a Windows 2000 Server machine that is
used as a License Manager for several CAD programs. It was working
perfectly when I installed Windows and all of its hardware on it before
turning it over to our recently departed employee. Since he left about a
month ago I have avoided touching the machine since it is used constantly to
grant permission to users for running their programs. Today I decided it
was time to do some Windows Updates and look into its security settings.

The first thing apparent was the mouse was not working; there wasn't even a
pointer. After a couple of reboots and different PS/2 mouse changes it
never appeared. Navigating with the keyboard to the Mouse Properties showed
there was no mouse installed. An attempt to install it was unsuccessful. A
USB mouse was plugged in and the computer saw it. The driver installation
seemed successful, but no pointer ever appeared. The Device Manager shows
no conflicts, but the magnetic tape backup is also dead. The computer also
complains about some system resources not loading up on reboot, but tells me
to go to the Event Viewer to see what they are. The machine also does not
logout the user cleanly.

The License Manager is still working fine and users are able to view
directory structures remotely. At this point I am leaning toward wiping it
clean and starting all over, but that will make many people awfully upset
due to down time. I am hoping someone here may have some ideas. I have not
tried Safe Mode yet. It does have Symantec Antivirus 8.0 that is updated
remotely and is behind a government firewall. I do not suspect foul play by
the previous employee.
 
I have taken over administration of a Windows 2000 Server machine
that is used as a License Manager for several CAD programs. It was
working perfectly when I installed Windows and all of its hardware on
it before turning it over to our recently departed employee. Since
he left about a month ago I have avoided touching the machine since
it is used constantly to grant permission to users for running their
programs. Today I decided it was time to do some Windows Updates and
look into its security settings.

The first thing apparent was the mouse was not working; there wasn't
even a pointer. After a couple of reboots and different PS/2 mouse
changes it never appeared. Navigating with the keyboard to the Mouse
Properties showed there was no mouse installed. An attempt to
install it was unsuccessful. A USB mouse was plugged in and the
computer saw it. The driver installation seemed successful, but no
pointer ever appeared. The Device Manager shows no conflicts, but
the magnetic tape backup is also dead. The computer also complains
about some system resources not loading up on reboot, but tells me to
go to the Event Viewer to see what they are. The machine also does
not logout the user cleanly.

The License Manager is still working fine and users are able to view
directory structures remotely. At this point I am leaning toward
wiping it clean and starting all over, but that will make many people
awfully upset due to down time. I am hoping someone here may have
some ideas. I have not tried Safe Mode yet. It does have Symantec
Antivirus 8.0 that is updated remotely and is behind a government
firewall. I do not suspect foul play by the previous employee.

Any help out there, guys? I'll even take "Maybe you should try this"
answers.
 
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