PS2 Keyboard - works on one PC, not on the other

[martinlest]

Both PCs run Win7 x64. On one, when I plug in a PS2 keyboard, it works immediately. On the other, it doesn't. I know the PS2 port is OK on that second PC, as a PS2 keyboard works fine in the BIOS (where, I think, PS2 is enabled automatically).

I have seen a suggestion that changing certain registry values should fix this.. but the values are identical in both PCs. There must be some setting that differs between the two PCs that means PS2 works differently in Windows.. anyone know what it might be?

(PS2 showed its worth the other day, when one PC got stuck waking from hibernation - the options, discard or re-use the hibernation data, needed a keyboard input to choose, but all USB had stopped working. Luckily, a spare PS2 keyboard, and of course the fact that my PC had a PS2 port, saved the day!).

Thanks.

 

[mrjimphelps]

Did you power the computer off before connecting the PS/2 keyboard? This is a must.

 

[martinlest]

I rebooted it, yes.

 

[mrjimphelps]

That wasn't what I asked. In order to connect or disconnect a PS/2 keyboard, the computer must be powered down while doing so.

 

[martinlest]

Oh, sorry, you mean totally 'off' - not just in the quasi-off reboot state? On the PC that accepts the PS2 though, I can disconnect and reconnect as often as I like whilst the PC is running; the PS2 keyboard always works. But perhaps that that is because PS2 is already 'enabled'. I'll try connecting the keyboard on the other PC whilst it is off and see if that helps.

Thank you. Will post back ....

 

[samuria]

If you have always used USB then you may not have drivers installed for it does it show in device manager as unknown device? On the working one check what IRQ etc it used and see if that is being used on the other PC by something else

 

[martinlest]

I thought PS2 had native drivers? Whatever, all looks fine in Device Manager, no exclamation marks. Thanks.

 

[Megahertz07]

Never, ever disconnect or connect a PS2 device with power on. Seen many cases that blew up the hardware.

 

[mrjimphelps]

Oh, sorry, you mean totally 'off' - not just in the quasi-off reboot state? On the PC that accepts the PS2 though, I can disconnect and reconnect as often as I like whilst the PC is running; the PS2 keyboard always works. But perhaps that that is because PS2 is already 'enabled'. I'll try connecting the keyboard on the other PC whilst it is off and see if that helps.

Thank you. Will post back ....

So far, you have been lucky. I hope you haven't damaged anything by disconnecting and reconnecting the PS/2 keyboard and mouse while the machine is powered up.

 

[martinlest]

OK, thanks for the warning. Since I always use a PS2 keyboard with the 'PS2 OK' PC, I never move the plug. Only done so now when testing. Won't do it again then! I think everything is OK.

 

[TechnoMage2016]

Both PCs run Win7 x64. On one, when I plug in a PS2 keyboard, it works immediately. On the other, it doesn't. I know the PS2 port is OK on that second PC, as a PS2 keyboard works fine in the BIOS (where, I think, PS2 is enabled automatically).
I have seen a suggestion that changing certain registry values should fix this.. but the values are identical in both PCs. There must be some setting that differs between the two PCs that means PS2 works differently in Windows.. anyone know what it might be?
(PS2 showed its worth the other day, when one PC got stuck waking from hibernation - the options, discard or re-use the hibernation data, needed a keyboard input to choose, but all USB had stopped working. Luckily, a spare PS2 keyboard, and of course the fact that my PC had a PS2 port, saved the day!).
Thanks.

Two things: One....NEVER, but NEVER plug in any PS2 device while the system is powered ON. Bad things can happen if you do. I know it's sometimes tempting, but just DON'T do it!

Two.... on some PC's the PS2 port is set back inside the PC's just a few thousandths of an inch making it hard to get the PS2 plug in far enough to make a good connection. In those cases, I've had to cut back on the rubber coating on the PS2 plug, like maybe 1/16th of an inch, so that it can be inserted deeper into the PC. That's always worked for me.

Good Luck, Mate!
TechnoMage

 

[mrjimphelps]

TM, if anyone knows the answer to this question, you do: Do you have any idea where I can get a PCI Express (or other modern) card which provides two TRUE PS/2 ports? (Not USB-to-PS/2). I was able to find a PCI card like that; but unfortunately, it's very hard to get a computer these days with PCI slots. (Mine doesn't have any PCI slots.)

 

[Barman58]

New Genuine Siig PCI to PS/2 Adaptor Card (JJ-PA0012-S1) | eBay

They Are available here in the UK on FleaBay, but prices have gone up a lot in past few years

 

[mrjimphelps]

New Genuine Siig PCI to PS/2 Adaptor Card (JJ-PA0012-S1) | eBay

They Are available here in the UK on FleaBay, but prices have gone up a lot in past few years

I have that card. The problem is, it is PCI, not PCI Express. My computer has no PCI slots in it.

 

[mrjimphelps]

BINGO! I think I found the answer!

This card plugs into a PCI Express slot and provides a PCI slot:

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Express-Adapter-Card-PEX1PCI1/dp/B0024CV3SA

This will allow me to add PS/2 ports to my new Dell computer.

 

[Megahertz07]

I have a small USB adapter that has two PS2 ports, one for keyboard and one for mouse.
2PCS X USB Male to 2 Dual PS2 Female converter Connecter Adapter, USB to PS2 converter adapter cable - Newegg.com

usb to ps2 - Newegg.com

 

[mrjimphelps]

I have one also. The problem is, I have had USB fail twice in my life on two separate computers, which eliminated the USB mouse and keyboard. If USB fails, my USB to PS2 adapter won't work.

On both of those computers, I had PS/2 ports, so I was able to easily fix the USB problem by connecting a PS/2 keyboard and mouse.

 

[Barman58]

I understand your concern but what I have is an additional USB option by use of both a 3 additional ports on a front media card input panel, I also have a secondary USB3 card at the rear of the case. When checking the system I disconnected the various options in turn and could always run a USB device via another port.
I also have Bluetooth available and several BT mice and keyboards as a secondary backup