Keyboard occasionally causes beeping and won't work for a minute or so

I have the same problem on two different computers. The keyboard will suddenly stop working and cause the computer to beep for a minute or so. Then it will start working again. During this time I cannot use a mouse either. I'm not positive that the keyboard is the problem, but I think so.

 

No, two different keyboards. Both plug into the normal PS/2 socket. Both were cheap. In fact, one was free on a promotion. But they have worked pretty well and seem reasonably well made.

 

Two different keyboards on two different computers? If the computers were networked or had a common user I'd suspect malware rather than hardware.

 

The computers are networked. Part of a home network of two towers and four laptops. These are the two towers. Both are running Windows XP. One has an ASUS motherboard and the other a VIA motherboard.

My sons think that it is caused by something loose in the connection wiring in the keyboard itself. They think that they cure it by pulling and twisting on the wiring going into the keyboard. I'm skeptical.

 

Geez Sons

Pulling and twisting, is that like my dad giving the telly a thump when it stopped working

My advice buy a new keyboard and don't let the sons pull and twist until you're happy the new keyboard works or not.

 

Daanii,

Its unbelievable how some people ?think?, but the proposed "twisting and pulling" service technique should provide you with enough information to make an informed decision regarding the technical wisdom of your sons. Sorry fella - they're your kids. At least we know they aren't Geeks so the situation isn't that bad.

I'd certainly agree with those who have suggested that a couple of new keyboards are in order. It sounds as if you've already made that decision too. So I guess that brings us back to why you would even ask for an opinion on such a "twisting and pulling" No-Brainer. Hey, why not let them try their approach if you're getting new keyboards anyway?

Don't even think about it - you could mess up your PS2 ports or encounter far worse consequences. Get the kids a new basketball and be gentle in dissuading their technical aspirations.

 

Tell me about it, way back in the 90's I had an Olivetti system that was borked because I plugged in the keyboard (PS2) after I'd powered up the system. This was before USB and it was an expensive system but thankfully I was able to use it as a headless station.

Daanii, do not connect/disconnect twist or pull anything from your system whilst power is connected.

 

"Twisting and pulling" may have been the wrong words to use. My sons aren't using any force. Just straightening and rearranging the connecting wire. I'm sure that's not been causing or contributing to the problem. But I'm also pretty sure that it does not help at all, although both sons think it does.

The problem occurs only once every week or so. What's strange, though, is that it happens on the two different computers. They are connected by a network, so it may be some sort of malware. But this does not seem like a software problem.

It seems so strange to have that problem happen in exactly the same way on the two systems that I thought it might be a common malady that some of you had often seen before. But it sounds like not.

 

Be they gentle or not, a short is a short and it shouldn't take any force at all to cross wires with a compromised connection or worn insulation - The net result could be exactly the same as turning 'Two Thumbs McGuirk" loose on the thing.

 

Point well taken. I'll pass that message along to my sons.

I am still curious if anyone has seen this type of behavior before. That is, the computer starts beeping and the keyboard won't work for 15 seconds to a minute, and then the beeping stops and the keyboard starts working again. Interestingly, the mouse will work to move the curser around, but the mouse buttons will not work. I've had both keyboards apart to look for shorts or loose connections, but they look fine.

Thanks.

 

Hi Daanii,
If you are considering buying new keyboard & mouse sets I would suggest wireless, I have found they are not much more expensive than corded, Have a look at KMart or Walmart I think it's over there?
The two towers are they by chance the ones used by the sons? is there some link to what both computers are being used for at the time the problem occurs?
Regards Jac

 

I may take your suggestion to get a wireless keyboard. I've taken a look at those before, but never bought one. This gives me a good excuse.

My boys use the two towers that have the keyboard problem for their gaming. The problem seems to have no connection between the two computers. One computer has been out of action for several months. But we still get the problem on the other one. It happens only occasionally -- every few days.

 

If they have been moving the keyboards about the place they mave have started to dislodge the ps2 connectors on the pc board, maybe worth checking for looseness?

I've been using 2 x Logitech wireless sets now for a couple of years, they will operate up to a couple of metres away and the only complaints I have are from the Kids when the batteries run down & they are too lazy to get fresh batteries LOL, so now I have them on my computers & the kids get the basics!
Hope you sort it soon
Jac

PS: buy 2 set of rechargable batteries to suit, I use high amp so I can also use them in my digital camera