ps/2 serial adapter

  • Thread starter Thread starter Steve
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Steve

I have a problem where the ps/2 port for my keyboard no longer functions. I
tried different keyboards, with the same result (no response at all in XP.)
So I picked up a USB keyboard, and no problems in XP. However; I need to
update the bios for several reasons, but Legacy support for the USB keyboard
was never enabled in the CMOS setting, and I cannot reach the setup screen
since the USB keyboard doesn't function until XP loads. I am attempting to
hook up an adapter (PS/2 to Serial)from the PS/2 keyboard to the serial port
on the PC, but to no avail. The adapter has a mouse symbol on it.

Does anyone know if there is a difference between a PS/2 to Serial adapter
for a PS/2 mouse, and a PS/2 to Serial adapter for a PS/2 keyboard?

Thanks...
 
Steve said:
I have a problem where the ps/2 port for my keyboard no longer functions. I
tried different keyboards, with the same result (no response at all in XP.)
So I picked up a USB keyboard, and no problems in XP. However; I need to
update the bios for several reasons, but Legacy support for the USB keyboard
was never enabled in the CMOS setting, and I cannot reach the setup screen
since the USB keyboard doesn't function until XP loads. I am attempting to
hook up an adapter (PS/2 to Serial)from the PS/2 keyboard to the serial port
on the PC, but to no avail. The adapter has a mouse symbol on it.

Does anyone know if there is a difference between a PS/2 to Serial adapter
for a PS/2 mouse, and a PS/2 to Serial adapter for a PS/2 keyboard?
Click to expand...


you cannot use your ps/2 keyboard on a serial port...even with an adaptor...
i've always though it odd that the bios default is usually not to enable
legacy USB support...
so you might just be out of luck...

however...i have seen a few machines that had shorted ps/2 ports
where the keyboard would actually work on the ps/2 mouse port.
if that's the case you might want to try it on the mouse port...and just
leave the mouse disconnected
 
I have a problem where the ps/2 port for my keyboard no longer functions. I
tried different keyboards, with the same result (no response at all in XP.)
Click to expand...

This might be solvable, if the PS/2 ports were operating
from 5VSB via a motherboard jumper and USB wasn't, AND your
PSU has insufficient 5VSB current, you might be able to
simply move the PS/2 power jumper to 5V rather than 5VSB
position. See manual to determine if such a jumper exists
and it's location.

Another possibility might be a blown keyboard fuse. If
you're handy with a multimeter you could see if the PS/2
ports have one (that fails a continuity check). Easiest way
to add a new fuse is to leave the old one on there and just
tack a new one on top (for surface-mount) or wrap legs (for
through-hole type) then solder it in place.

Damage to Super I/O controller probably isn't reasonable to
fix, and damage to physical PS/2 port socket not much
easier. In those cases it might be easier or more cost
effective to get a new board (failing other alternatives).

So I picked up a USB keyboard, and no problems in XP. However; I need to
update the bios for several reasons, but Legacy support for the USB keyboard
was never enabled in the CMOS setting, and I cannot reach the setup screen
since the USB keyboard doesn't function until XP loads.
Click to expand...

Since you need to update the bios anyway, you might see if
there is a bios editor available that can set the default
for legacy USB/keyboard to "enabled". Then prepare a boot
floppy to automatically flash the bios, something similar to
using autoexec.bat with a command line to run flash program,
unconditionally flash without user intervention, and the
bios file name. Even if you can't get a bios editor to mod
the bios for the USB keyboard support setting, it would
suffice to flash the bios.

You could also consider an ISA or PCI PS/2 card, presuming
there's any around still, Google for them.

I am attempting to
hook up an adapter (PS/2 to Serial)from the PS/2 keyboard to the serial port
on the PC, but to no avail. The adapter has a mouse symbol on it.
Click to expand...

Are you sure the mouse itself supports this? Might not. In
fact I recall at least one mouse that needed a switch (on
the bottom) flipped to chang to/fro serial and PS/2 modes.
Does anyone know if there is a difference between a PS/2 to Serial adapter
for a PS/2 mouse, and a PS/2 to Serial adapter for a PS/2 keyboard?
Click to expand...

It'd be the same but you appear to have one "meant" for
mouse regardless, considering that mouse symbol on it.
 
Thanks for the reply philo. I did try that, but no luck.

I also tried creating a boot disk and adding some drivers that some people
have had luck enabling legacy support for some USB devices, but nothing yet
so far...
 
Thanks kony...

kony said:
This might be solvable, if the PS/2 ports were operating
from 5VSB via a motherboard jumper and USB wasn't, AND your
PSU has insufficient 5VSB current, you might be able to
simply move the PS/2 power jumper to 5V rather than 5VSB
position. See manual to determine if such a jumper exists
and it's location.

Another possibility might be a blown keyboard fuse. If
you're handy with a multimeter you could see if the PS/2
ports have one (that fails a continuity check). Easiest way
to add a new fuse is to leave the old one on there and just
tack a new one on top (for surface-mount) or wrap legs (for
through-hole type) then solder it in place.

Damage to Super I/O controller probably isn't reasonable to
fix, and damage to physical PS/2 port socket not much
easier. In those cases it might be easier or more cost
effective to get a new board (failing other alternatives).



Since you need to update the bios anyway, you might see if
there is a bios editor available that can set the default
for legacy USB/keyboard to "enabled". Then prepare a boot
floppy to automatically flash the bios, something similar to
using autoexec.bat with a command line to run flash program,
unconditionally flash without user intervention, and the
bios file name. Even if you can't get a bios editor to mod
the bios for the USB keyboard support setting, it would
suffice to flash the bios.

You could also consider an ISA or PCI PS/2 card, presuming
there's any around still, Google for them.



Are you sure the mouse itself supports this? Might not. In
fact I recall at least one mouse that needed a switch (on
the bottom) flipped to chang to/fro serial and PS/2 modes.


It'd be the same but you appear to have one "meant" for
mouse regardless, considering that mouse symbol on it.
Click to expand...
 
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