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Keyboard / Registry Problem

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by LaCross, 2004/09/16.

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  1. 2004/09/16
    LaCross

    LaCross Inactive Thread Starter

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    We have a computer here that had what we think was a little virus attack. Now whenever we turn the computer on we can use the keyboard up until windows loads, once we get to the welcome screen or past that in safe mode, we can't use the keyboard to do anything. Any button pressed causes the computer to instantly freeze with no error message.

    When we go to the Device Manager, under Keyboard there's an exclamation point, with the error message: Damaged or corrupt registry.

    We've tried unplugging, plugging, and using a different keyboard. Nothing works, please help!
     
    LaCross,
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  2. 2004/09/16
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    In Device Manager right click on the keyboard - expand Keyboards by clicking on the + sign - and click on uninstall. Reboot and let Windows find the keyboard again and see if that fixes the problem.

    If you have a totally corrupted registry - seems unlikely if Windows is loading OK, that is a much more serious problem to resolve, so post back with your results.
     
    PeteC,
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  4. 2004/09/17
    LaCross

    LaCross Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hey, thanks for the help, and sorry for the late response, but that didn't solve the problem :(

    Any other suggestions?
     
    LaCross,
    #3
  5. 2004/09/17
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    You have two options here - there may well be others, but I am not aware of them.

    Repair XP - this should be a straightforward process, but is not completely reliable in my experience.

    How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

    If you chose to go down this route be sure to have backed up all your data to somewhere other than the drive/partition on which Windows is installed. If the repair fails you will almost certainly be in the position of having to reformat and reinstall.

    The other option is to be found in this Microsoft Knowledge Base Article ....

    How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting.

    I have never had cause to follow this procedure, which is quite complex, and I cannot comment on it's reliability/effectiveness nor can I recommend it as a plausible solution. The risk is yours.

    Although the title refers Windows being unable to start I would think that the procedure outlined would be appropriate to your problem.
     
    PeteC,
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  6. 2004/09/17
    LaCross

    LaCross Inactive Thread Starter

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    Ok, thanks, we'll give those a shot. I'll try to let you know what happens, thanks for the help!
     
    LaCross,
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  7. 2004/09/18
    LaCross

    LaCross Inactive Thread Starter

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    Out of curiousity, can you perform a XP repair on Windows XP Home Edition with a Windows XP Professional Edition disc?
     
    LaCross,
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  8. 2004/09/18
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Good question - to which I do not have the answer :)

    Give it a try - if it's not possible you will soon find out!
     
    PeteC,
    #7
  9. 2004/09/18
    Johanna

    Johanna Inactive Alumni

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    No. The system would attempt to "upgrade ", you could quite possibly lose all your data and software, and you will have problems with WPA. If you decide to do a repair, do your backups, if you can.

    I would try to reinstall that keyboard driver in safe mode. If XP doesn't have a generic one on board, look at the manufacturer's web site for drivers.

    Johanna
     
    Johanna,
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  10. 2004/09/19
    LaCross

    LaCross Inactive Thread Starter

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    Can you tell us how we would reinstall the driver from safe mode if XP has it, which it must because it worked before without us needing to find one.

    We've also experimented with sharing the registry value that deals with keyboards between computers, no luck there!
     
    LaCross,
    #9
  11. 2004/09/20
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    LaCross

    Sorry for the delay in responding - the weekend you know :)

    Boot to Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key repeatedly as the computer boots up.

    You should see a text screen with a number of start up options - select Safe Mode (NOTE - a Serial mouse may not run in Safe Mode - mine does not)

    Log in as Administrator - cilick on Administrator and enter your Admin password. If you don't think you have one try hitting the Enter key after clicking on Administrator.

    Once in Safe Mode go to Device Manager > Keyboards, expand the + sign and right click on your Keyboard > properties > driver > update driver.

    Do not allow the PC to connect to Windows Update (SP 2) > next

    Select Install from a list or specific location (Adv) > next

    Select Don't search I will choose .... > next

    Next window should show a list of keyboards, probably just the one you have. Highlight it > next

    The driver should be installed and you will be asked to reboot - Yes.
     
    PeteC,
    #10
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