Motherboard Question??

I have a Dell XPS 400, bought around 2005/06, I have been getting "keyboard error" prior to windows startup. If it can get past startup I get a "unrecog USB" error after a minute or two and the keyboard and mouse wont work ( keyboard/mouse are wireless, USB only computer). I've tried a new wireless set up but no luck, pulled the battery, held the on/off button for over 30 sec, etc. Drivers updated..

Botomline, if the computer wont recog USB ports does this sound like a motherboard issue?

Thanks

 

I have seen issues where (either when hooking up a new wireless KB/Mouse or after a Windows Update), a system won't boot properly with a wireless KB/Mouse.

If you have access to a wired USB KB/Mouse, connect them, disconnect the wireless dongle and try to start the PC. Do NOT use a wired KB or mouse with a PS2 (round) plug connected through a "cheater" adapter; these don't always work.

If the system will boot with the wireless KB/Mouse, go to CONTROL PANEL>SYSTEM>HARDWARE PROFILES and be sure there is not a red "X" or yellow "?" by any of the items - these indicate missing, corrupt or incorrect drivers.

Other things to try:

• Will the wired or wireless KB/Mouse work on the front USB ports?
• If not and you have an open PCI slot on the motherboard, you can try adding a USB 2.0 card (buy it at a store with a decent return policy if it fails to solve the problem).

Beyond this, I would suspect an issue with the mobo. Given the age of the PC, I wouldn't spend more than $50-$75 on total repairs. If you can't afford a brand new PC, look at "off lease" refurbished models from TigerDirect.com or MicroCenter. You should be able to find one (with genuine XP Pro) comperable to your old one for about $150, and you may be able to salvage the HDD, memory, etc. from the dead one and add them to the "new" PC.

Beware of used PCs on Craigslist and at smaller computer stores. If you look at one, hook it up to the Internet, go to microsoft.com and run the Genuine Windows Validation test. If it is a bootleg copy (aside from being illegal) it may be more prone to virus and malware attacks.

Hope this info. helps

 

First you have to rule out the motherboard's drivers. Visit the DELL web site or, failing that, the motherboard manufacturer's site and look for drivers for the motherboard. If there aren't any available then now I'd blame the motherboard.

Couple more things to check though:
1. With the USB keyboard in, can you access the BIOS (usually tapping F2, but sometimes DEL or F1)?
2. There's usually a black screen and sometimes a blinking cursor symbol right before Windows boots. Is the keyboard error there, or earlier during the BIOS messages? If it's right right before the Windows logo, then it might still be the driver.
3. Are there any settings in the BIOS relating to USB hardware?
4. USB ports actually deliver a decent amount of electricity. As such the contacts oxidize over time. Your comp isn't old enough I'd really expect this to be the cause, but you could take a flashlight and a magnifying glass to the USB port of the motherboard and look to see if the copper looks dull or corroded. If it does, it can be cleaned, in a special way I'll explain in more detail as needs be.