Solved old keyboard doesn't work with windows 7

[dorothyr]

The old keyboard is from an old Dell XPS from 15 years ago.
It worked fine on my last computer a Dell GX620 with XP.
My new computer a locally made one in an HP case has windows 7.
Old keyboard isn't even recognized.
Is it now obsolete or something.

Microsoft seems devoted to making hardware as well as operating systems routinely obsolete. IMHO.

 

[pcunite]

Yeah, I hear ya. I have a Filco I really like these days.

 

[Berton]

If it's a USB keyboard some computers need the BIOS set to enable Legacy USB

 

[dorothyr]

It's not USB.

 

[mohavepc]

is it a multimedia keyboard? Dell Multimedia keyboards require a unique driver to enable the extra functions. one way around it is to google the keyboard model number and the word driver and see if there is one available for 7. PS2 keyboards should be enabled if the motherboard has ps2 ports on it and generic drivers should load from power on to windows load. you can see if the motherboard sees the keyboard by trying the f2, del, or esq key at splash to try and get into the bios. or f8 and try to boot safemode.

 

[Berton]

As for the Dell multi-media keyboards, I just a couple of weeks ago tossed out 3 very fine keyboards because Dell does not provide drivers for Windows Vista and later. Since Windows XP is no longer supported no point in keeping them around taking up space. I did find a decent Microsoft multi-media USB keyboard that was reasonably priced, has the Play/Pause and Volume Control keys plus a 'bonus' Calculator key on the number pad area that opens the Windows Calculator. Microsoft Wired Keyboard 600

 

[dorothyr]

Not multimedia.
Would the desired port be listed at msconfig/system? All I see is I/O ports.

 

[Berton]

To see devices in Windows 7 open Control Panel then Device Manager. Or right-click My Computer/Computer, click Manage and look in the Device Manager section, works for WinXP and later versions.

 

[essenbe]

Look in devce manager and see if you have any yellow triangles (representing trouble devices). Right click and select Properties, got to the driver tab, and try clicking update driver and see if Windows can a driver for you. If not, then try to find a Windows 7 driver for it with a search engine.

 

[dorothyr]

The keyboard is not connected as it won't work.
Win 7 does not seem to recognize it. Did not show up in device manager.

 

[Berton]

The first thing I do with non-functioning keyboards and/or mice is to shut the computer completely off [hold the power switch down for more than 6 seconds] then pull the power cord from the back then press the power button to assure residual power drains from the motherboard. I wait about a minute and put everything back to normal. By pulling the power cord out the ground is broken and if static electricity [may not actually be felt] will have drained off and the devices should then work again. It's also possible the keyboard has actually been damaged and will need replacing and also possible the port has been damaged and the motherboard would need replacing [but cheaper to change to a USB keyboard]. My wife killed a very nice computer by touching the keyboard and she never felt the static shock, we now have anti-static touchpads to prevent that.

 

[dorothyr]

Hooray. That worked. I am using it. Thank you. Thank you.
Now I don't have to buy another one.

 

[dorothyr]

Berton, junior member, solved it.

 

[Berton]

You're welcome.