keyboard and mouse going dead together

[gmcnees]

Not sure if this is the correct forum for this issue or not.

I have an older Compaq Presairo that will randomly lose both the keyboard (Compaq)and mouse (Microsoft) at the same time, power goes out to both. They are both USB connections. I can switch from the ports on the front or back of the machine same thing. They may or may not come back on immediately when I switch. Eventually the power will come back on to both, again at the same time.

Any suggestions as to how to solve this problem?

[Geek-9pm]

First question is have you tried another Keyboard and mouse.
And why not use the PS/2 keyboard and mouse?

You id it was an old machine. The USB interface on the motherboard may be near end of life.  That fact that both go out at the same time would indicate the USB interface on the motherboard is going. Usually one 'chip' controls four ports.

[rthompson80819]

And why not use the PS/2 keyboard and mouse?

Personally, I prefer using the PS/2 ports for my keyboard and mouse to keep my USB slots open for other things.  But new PS/2 keyboards and mice are becoming harder and harder to find.

I've got no hard numbers to back it up, but it seems to me like PS/2 keyboards and mice seem to have fewer problems that USB keyboards and mice.

[patio]

I have no problem finding PS2 keyboards and mice...

Heck even WallyWorld carries them...

[rthompson80819]

I have no problem finding PS2 keyboards and mice...

Heck even WallyWorld carries them...

Not mine.  Just bought a mouse there for a friend and the only type type they had was USB.

[patio]

I'm not going to debate it...

[Geek-9pm]

Not mine.  Just bought a mouse there for a friend and the only type type they had was USB.

If you buy ten, I can mail  them to your for $3 each inside the US.

[gmcnees]

Thanks for all the feedback, and debate . I did try a different keyboard at one point, same thing.

My brother-in-law suggested I get a PS/2 to USB conversation cable. What is everyones opinion of these?

Thanks again,

[JJ 3000]

You mean a USB to PS/2 converter right?
Most USB keyboards and mice come with the converter. Every one I've ever bought has. They look like this:


When your keyboard and mouse stop working will other USB devices work in those ports. You can buy a USB PCI card for about ten bucks. That may solve your problem.

[soybean]

Newegg.com lists 69 PS/2 keyboards.

You mean a USB to PS/2 converter right?
Most USB keyboards and mice come with the converter. Every one I've ever bought has. They look like this:

If the keyboard and/or mouse did not come with a converter, you can buy the converter separately but some of those keyboards and/or mice may not work quite right since they were really not intended to be used with an adapter.