HELP needed re laptop and keyboard

Buggins

Hi everyone,
wonder if someone can assist. I am having to use my laptop as my main computer and can't get on with the keyboard. So, I got a PS2 to USB adaptor and plugged in my main Dell QuietKey keyboard. It doesn't work despite the laptop control panel saying that the "standard keyboard is working properly". Do I need special software and if so where can I get it (preferably downloaded from net). I do have a Dell programme CD that says "device drivers" but I'm not sure it's the right one!
Any help to a complete novice would be great

The_JinJ

Uninstall the keyboard then replug in the usb one - should pick it up and install without much fuss - is it XP you are running?

Buggins

Hi - Yes it's XP. Do you mean uninstall the laptop keyboard. Won't this leave me with nothing in the short term?

The_JinJ

I meant the USB one if it shows - XP should automagically pick up new devices plugged into USB even if there are no drivers available - does this happen when you plug it in?

Buggins

Hi - No, it doesn't seem to. I think I will shut the whole thing down and start again and see what happens. I'll report back in about 15 muinutes if you are still around.
Thanks for help so far

Buggins

Thanks for all your help - have got it up and running at last. I really appreciate this forum when I get stuck on things like this particularly.

The_JinJ

Glad to hear it's working ok
Please post the solution for others in case someone searches for the same problem in the future....

beetplek

Any PC should pick up keyboards when it starts windows, so if the one you want isnt working you will need to re start the machine for it to recognise the new one. Its differnt for mice, but you do need at least one plugged in when windows starts.

The_JinJ

With USB keyboards you should be able to hot plug them in - XP should pick them up automatically.
Also if the BIOS is set to allow it, you can boot your PC with no kb or mouse (or monitor) - a headless pc

Buggins

Hi - Just for the record, I closed down the whole system (and switched off at the plug) Re started and plugged in the USB. This then "detected" new stuff and asked if I wanted to continue. Obviously, the first time I did it the whole machine got rather confused - so, if in doubt, try again.
Best wishes:T

The_JinJ

Nice one!!