PS/2 Woes

[Student^2]

I got this earlier today from one of our techs in FL.

We have around 5 PCs which PS2 ports are currently dead. If for any reason the Mouse gets unplugged while the PC is on, the Mouse will no longer work. We have been using the USB-Sunray mouses for those PCs.

We called DELL and asked them for support before we do our hardware testing. They said that this was software problem. Also, recommended to downgrade Service Packs from 6 to 5 or to install 6A. I upgraded my computer to service pack 6A (which is one of those with the PS2 issues). It still gives me a "Keyboard Failure" at Boot time when the PS2 keyboard and Mice are connected.

I suggested reinstalling intellipoint after upgrading to 6A - which is required for some of our apps. Anyone seen this before, or have a brillant insight I missed? Thanks in advance.



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"Most people would sooner die than think; in fact, they do so. "

- Bertrand Russell (1872-1970)

[Student^2]

Doh! Some specifics would probably help..

Dell OptiPlex GX110
Intel P3-733
7.2(ish)G IDE
64 Meg SDRAM
NT 4.0 with varying service packs (see above)
MS Office 2K
3Com 3C905C NICS
Dell QuietKey Keyboards
M$ Intellimice

[thirdfey]

I don't know if this helps but my company sells custom made keypads to Golf Shops for posting scores. They are PS/2, we had a problem with Dell Optiplex's and the keypads. Dell said that you can switch the the mouse and keyboard from port to port, it doesn't matter, the computer will figure it out. Try changing which ports you are plugged into.

[skut]

maybe its just me but...

is it not true that when you plug and unplug a ps/2 device while power is to the machine you can short out your ps/2 port(s) and devices?

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prompt $p$g [dos = elite]

[Student^2]

Thanks thirdfey. Hadn't thought of that (being 1000 miles away has its drawbacks).

As for the PS/2 port blowout, I think it is just a tekmyth, along with magnetic screwdrivers killing components and 486s requiring fans.

I've plugged many keyboard and mice into PS2 ports under power, with nary a problem.

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"Most people would sooner die than think; in fact, they do so. "

- Bertrand Russell (1872-1970)