Keyboard only not working - Safe or Normal XP

I was cleaning my keyboard today and now my keyboard doesn't work. I've rebooted, doesn't work. I've checked BIOS settings, everything enabled. I can use keyboard in BIOS but not in Windows XP(safe or normal). I've pressed shift 5 times to disable sticky keys, didn't work. I can press Num lock and the on light doesn't go off and on. Scroll light doesn't come on. This is a USB mouse on a one year old Dell desktop. Can anyone help?

 

I've seen a lot of the newer Dell keyboards and mice not make it past the one year mark.

If the PC is still under warranty (and you don't mind waiting a few days for it to ship), call Dell and see if they'll send a free replacement.

Personally, I'd spend a few bucks for a better keyboard and mouse. Microsoft and Logitech are two of the better brands; you should be able to get both for around $25.

 

Forgot to mention, I moved the keyboard to another computer and it worked fine. I move a keyboard from another computer to this one and it didn't work. It's something with Windows.

Mouse works fine.

 

Does the PC itself have a round (PS/2) connection port on it?

If so, go into the BIOS and be sure USB Keyboard and USB mouse support are enabled. Reboot and see if this fixes the issue.

If not, it sounds like generic USB keyboard driver(s) in Windows are corrupted.

Go to CONTROL PANEL>SYSTEM>DEVICE (or hardware) MANAGER. Click on the arrow to the left of "Keyboards" and "USB Devices."

If you see a red "x" or yellow "?" it indicates a corrupt or missing driver - follow the instructions and allow Windows to connect online to find or fix the driver.

Even if you don't see the red "x" or yellow "?", double-click on the installed keyboard driver and allow it to update the driver on-line. If this fails, go to the PC mfr's support site and see if they have a specific driver update or patch to fix the problem.

 

No, it doesn't have the PS/2 connection.

I can't use the keyboard so I can't get to the Control Panel.

 

Does it not work in any USB port? I'm thinking sometimes ports in the back of the computer work when front ports won't.

 

I've tried front and back ports.

Could it be a corrupt Login Screen/Service?

I'm going to run ERD Commander tomorrow to try a system restore to see if that fixes it.

 

I don't know. You can't login to Windows because of a password?

If you were logged in you should be able to get to Control panel through mouse clicks starting at the Start/Orb.

 

Correct. I can't perform a cntl/alt/delete to get to enter the password. Pressing the Num Lock key and scroll lock key doesn't turn the lights off and on either. Keep in mind the keyboard works fine on another computer.

 

Just reread the original post. How deep into cleaning did you go with your keyboard?

Try hitting every key a few times to see if something is sticking. Pay particular attention to keys that BIOS may not recognize like numpad keys and Windows keys.

Edit: OK, it works fine on another PC.

Does the keyboard have any lights on in Windows?

 

It was just a feather type duster, nothing heavy.