reformating problem w/ keyboard

Hello all, this didn't quite fit in the thread about backing up files after reformatting so i gave it its own. I'm having problems reformating my HD w/ win xp (been getting really slow/bogged down lately so i figured a fresh start would help). I've backed up all the files i want to keep on another HD already. when i just right click and try to format, it tells me it can't format while it's running windows of course, so i put in the CD rom and try to boot from that, and it gets to a point that says, press any key to boot from cd rom. problem is, my keyboard dosn't load until windows has started and it's off at this time... i don't have one that dosn't plug into a usb type slot in the motherboard. I tried making the 6 something boot disks for winxp as well and the same problem comes up. oh, and also, because of the keyboard problem, i figured i'd try to install it on the HD i have the backup stuff on, however, if i try to boot w/ my main HD unplugged, gives me some file not found error and asks to reboot. If i try to install it from when windows is fully loaded w/ the CD in, it tells me that it cannot continue bc the windows i have on my comp is newer than the old. It dosn't even ask if i want to put it on the new HD. Basically i'm at a loss, need to figure out how to make it boot w/ a CD w/o a keyboard or somehow make the mobo load the drivers first or figure out a way to put the xp on the newer HD. i'd prefer to not have to put it on it tho. Thanks for your help as always.

-Charles

 

No matter how you slice it I believe you will be forced to get a different keyboard OR I believe they make USB>PS2 adapters.

You are going to need a keybaord at some time or other during the install.

All this Modern stuff it nice WHEN it works. But the good old fashioned availabe in DOS equipment is still very usefull at times.

I myself would NEVER be without a Mouse and Keyboard for DOS. ( available without Windows that is )

BillyBob

 

Yeah, i actually just climbed up in the attic and pulled down an old keyboard/mouse set i had for an old dos/win3.1 machine i had. dusty but, did the trick. Thanks for the reply

~Charles

 

Good to read. Good luck with the install.

I just hope others pay attention and learn. I know some people that have all kinds of names for me when I suggest NOT throwing that kind of stuff away.

UNTILL one of them did run into the same situation as you do.

BTW. I believe the below ( in quotes ) is impossible. Unless you have something that runs in DOS and the stuff in on another drive.

BillyBob

 

sorry, that was a typo, refering to another thread got it to reformat but, after it did, i put some stuff back from my backup HD, installed a few programs, tried to connect to the internet to go to windows update, and it couldn't be found, so i restarted, next thing i know i have something on the comp keeping me from even opening google, and when i turn it on it's always asking me to choose a connection to get info from some site. Can't even connect to re register my copy of office xp. Oh well, gonna reformat again i guess, and this time not put anything back on until i've done all the updates for windows. apparently w/o all the security updates my comps a sitting duck lol.

 

Try staying away from that stuff and see if you can get it to go online ?

And I would not install too much until you do get it online and get Windows back on line.

BillyBob

 

CxFusion3mp

For the future...Have you turned on USB Legacy support in your BIOS? That should allow you to use the USB keyboard in the BIOS before Windows boots.

 

thanks, i'll do that. and i'm going to take my comp over and LAN it to dl windows updates so i odn't have to be online so long w/ my 56k. can't wait to get back to school... so much faster.