Old computer from 1997 having problems with keyboard.

[stewie-Y]

I have here a super old computer and need to get some information off of it. A few weeks ago it was used and worked fine using its original keyboard, but now that I'm trying to extract all the information the original keyboard was thrown away and it does not seem to want to work with any of the keyboards that I've tried.
I have attempted 3 different keyboard and they each get the following result: when the computer boots up the system checks its memory, then starts listing its hard disk, and at that moment all 3 "Lock" lights flash once, then the computer says "System error or no keyboard present." and also "CMOS checksum error - Defaults loaded", and accepts no imput from the keyboard.

Either I need to figure out how to get it working with this keyboard, or it also may be possible for me to put the hard drive into a working computer. What do you think about that?

[BC_Programmer]

If I had to guess, I'd say the replacement keyboards were USB, but the system had a PS/2 port.

While systems from that time had USB ports, they didn't have any low-level capability to use things like keyboards through them, instead requiring the keyboard to be attached via the standard PS/2 connector.

[stewie-Y]

Actually the computer is so old that is does not even have USB ports. All of the keyboards that I've tried have been using the PS/2 port.

[Lisa_maree]

I think you would be better attaching the drive to a modern computer . If you don't have one with an IDE port you may need to get an IDE to usb cable and powersupply. they are pretty cheap and handy to have .

Like this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812232002

[stewie-Y]

I put the hard drive into another computer and it recognizes the keyboard now, and was able to copy the files to the main hard drive of that computer. Thanks!

[anthonyb5615]

What is the make and model of the computer? It "may" only work with same brand keyboard.

Pulling the drive and connecting it through IDE to usb  connector might be the best bet! As long as the hard drive is an ide one? They sell those ide to usb connector on ebay too!!

[patio]

He found a solution...re-read the above Post.

[anthonyb5615]

yes, but I was just interested to know what the computer make a model number was.