"Press any key". Uh-oh

[321Mike]

I'm having an interesting issue while trying to reformat a hard drive. The computer in question is loaded with adware, spyware, and who knows what else. I figured the best solution is to reformat - start from scratch and show the computer's owner how to protect themselves a little better. Sounds simple enough.

I saved their important files on cd, inserted the windows XP disc, and restarted. As the computer starts a message comes up saying, "press any key to boot from cd". Then it waits a few seconds for me to press a key. I pressed a key and nothing happened - it just booted normally. After a couple more failed attempts I took a look at the back of the computer. He has a USB keyboard because the regular keyboard port stopped working. I tried plugging in a normal keyboard and got no response - no lights on the keyboard - just totally dead.

I assume the computer won't take input from the USB keyboard until windows is running. So how do I press the "any" key when the keyboard won't work? Or is there another way to get the computer to boot from the cd?

[Beavis68]

I dont know if something like this would help

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815124045

[Freakin]

USB keyboards definitely work without windows... I use only a USB keyboard and have no problem getting into BIOS setup or pressing any key to boot from windows CD.

Have you tried this

[321Mike]

[ QUOTE ]
USB keyboards definitely work without windows

[/ QUOTE ]
Hmmmm. That doesn't seem to be true of this computer. The little lights that indicate Number, Caps, and Scroll lock don't light up until the "windows is starting" screen comes up. It doesn't appear that any power goes to the USB ports (I've tried them all) until windows is running.

Looks like I'll have to invest in that "Any" key after all.

[Freakin]

you shoudl be able to recreate the iso without it requiring you to push the any key.

google nlite

[Beavis68]

[ QUOTE ]
USB keyboards definitely work without windows... I use only a USB keyboard and have no problem getting into BIOS setup or pressing any key to boot from windows CD.

Have you tried this

[/ QUOTE ]

USB keyboard works on my home computer right away, but not my work systems, not sure why.

[Computerb]

When you plug a ps/2 keyboard in you must turn the system off and then back on.

[Beavis68]

Actually, it is just the laptop that does that, the workstation is fine. I had problems with the USB drivers but once I fixed that it works perfectly.