Will not boot, gives Keyboard missing error, press F1 to continue

Of course since it can't see the keyboard, I can't press F1 - gotta love Windows! I just got this error today after the PC was in sleep mode. I have rebooted several times, unplugged the keyboard (USB) and reconnected several times using all USB ports, tried a brand spankin' new keyboard and still get the same error. I notice that my MS wireless mouse is also not lighting up. My WD external USB HDD powers up just fine. I "m stumped. I am running XP Pro, SP2 AMD Athlon 64.

 

Hi, Brett.

I'm not sure what to suggest yet regarding the USB keyboard and mouse.

Do you have a PS/2 keyboard handy (or PS/2 adapter for your existing keyboard) to try booting with?

EDIT: Is your wireless mouse fully charged?

 

Tried using a PS2 adapter but no luck. I get the same results. I wonder if my mobo is cooked?

 

See my EDIT above.

Perhaps another USB device is somehow conflicting with your keyboard. Try unplugging all other USB devices and then booting.

If no success, try plugging your keyboard into the USB port that your USB HDD uses.

 

Yeah, mouse batteries are good. I have pulled all USB devices except for the keyboard and I have tried it in all the USB slots. The HDD lights up in all the USB ports, it's really got me stumped.

 

Well, I got it fixed..

someone suggested that I try removing the CMOS battery and that did the trick. I'm really stumped as to what caused the whole thing but at least it's working again.

Thanks everyone for your help!

Brett

 

Thanks for your follow-up, Brett!

I thought of replacing the CMOS battery (with a new one) last night while in bed but didn't have enuf energy to get up and post.

Glad you're back up an running!