Laptop Keyboard

[Chuck789]

I have an MPC (Micron) Transport T2200 laptop that is running Windows XP. I have attached a standard PS2 external keyboard, but the laptop does not seem to recognize it.

When I connect the PS2 plug, the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock lights on the keyboard flash and then go out. When I press any of these keys, the lights do not come on. None of the other keys seem to respond. It's like the laptop is not recognizing the external keyboard at all.

Is there something else I need to do so I can use this external keyboard? Any suggestions? Thanks.

[truenorth]

Apparently something that can cause this to happen to what should otherwise be a simple plug and use is if the laptop keyboard has been disabled. Has it? truenorth

[Chuck789]

The laptop keyboard is still enabled and connected.

[truenorth]

This is a real head scratcher.In my research on your behalf the preponderance of opinion is that it should be just a plug it in and it should work. In addition to the observation i already stated 2 additional items that appeared (only once) was:
1.Someone on another forum stated that the "setup" for the external keyboard "needed" to be performed. Personally i have never heard of that.
2.Another stated that for "some non USB" keyboards on some laptops a "docking station" needed to be used. Again that's news to me.
If you have the option without buying another PS2 keyboard i would try another PS2 keyboard or alternatively a USB external keyboard if a port is available. truenorth

[BC_Programmer]

PS/2 is not a hot-swappable connector. you are supposed to only plug/unplug them when the power is off.

[truenorth]

While the O/P doesn't indicate that aspect of the "connection" wouldn't it be wonderfull if that is all that is at the basis of the problem? Let's hope so.truenorth

[patio]

He does state PS2 in his 1st Post...

[rthompson80819]

When I connect the PS2 plug, the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock lights on the keyboard flash and then go out.

For this to happen, the laptop had to be on when the PS/2 keyboard was plugged in, and the plug in the laptop, or the keyboard, could be damaged.

BC is right, PS/2 keyboards are not designed to be plugged in while the computer is on.

I've seen a lot of people do this with no problem, but each time you do it you are taking a risk.

[patio]

You may also want to keep in mind that with some laptops the touchpad needs to be turned off to use an external keyboard...
Check your Manual.

[Chuck789]

Thanks, everyone. I'll try having the PS2 keyboard plugged in the next time I start up the laptop. From what you all have said, I expect this will resolve the issue.

[patio]

We'll keep our fingers crossed...