Problem Dead PS2 port, usb kb not rec - how to install Xp ???

Discussion in 'Software' started by UKDarkstar, Aug 30, 2010.

  1. UKDarkstar
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    UKDarkstar Terabyte Poster

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    Hi guys

    I know I've been out of the hardware loop for a while but I have a little problem. Friend has old ASUS Terminator pc bought from my old business some time ago (maybe 5 yrs).

    Quite adequate for what he needs and doesn't want to have to buy new pc.

    Needs a wipe/reload of o/s (Xp Home) so I said I'd do it. Now, the ps2 kb port packed up a while ago and he's been fine using a usb kb. Trouble is, although it recognises a usb kb is present, it won't let me press any keys to get into boot sequence or even bios.

    Tried running Xp disk from within Windows but it says disk is older version (pre-SPs) and current o/s is patched to SP3.

    I could just knock the partition out so it forces an install that way but I'll still have the prob of not being able to press keys to select options.

    Any suggestions ?
     
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  2. dalsoth

    dalsoth Kilobyte Poster

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    Had a similar issue recently as i had no ps2 keyboards but needed to change a bios in order to install windows as the original boot was straight to hdd. Stupid pc was old and would not detect the usb ones. I bought a usb to ps2 purple adapter but that will not really help you if your ps2 port is screwed.

    If you get windows installed you really don't need to mess with the bios right? How about taking out the hard disk and installing the OS from another machine then using sysprep? or ghosting an image to it whilst outside the case etc? Just a few ideas.

    You tried bootable usb devices? Who knows maybe the boot order has this first rather than the hdd.
     
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  3. Killian

    Killian Byte Poster

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    I've been trying to think ways around it too but can't figure out how you'd go about doing it on that particular machine. Have to agree with Dalsoth, perhaps installing it on another machine and running Sysprep before shutting it down and moving it over. That ought to work as there's no input until you're back into Windows then.
     
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  4. michael78

    michael78 Terabyte Poster

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    I don't think ghosting it will work unless he has a PC of similar age as the hardware will be vastly different and would probably cause all sorts of issues. I would check the BIOS as dalsoth says as it might be something as simple as switching on USB ports. If not I can't see a way of fixing it if I'm honest.
     
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  5. Killian

    Killian Byte Poster

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    I was under the impression Sysprep removes all references to the actual hardware and then sets itself up as part of the OOBE process on the next boot? Have only ever done it on reasonably new machines but didn't think age would really make a difference.

    I'm still learning though :)
     
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  6. UKDarkstar
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    UKDarkstar Terabyte Poster

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    Well I can't get into the bios so I can't change any settings there.

    May have to opt for the sysprep and see what happens.

    Thanks guys
     
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  7. michael78

    michael78 Terabyte Poster

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    Sysprep removes all identifiers such as the SID, PC name, keys etc as well as general settings which makes it easier to image and roll out to PC's of simular hardware. I don't think sysprep removes drivers and hardware references unless someone corrects me on that.
     
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  8. Sparky
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    Sparky Zettabyte Poster Moderator

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    A full image isnt needed here. Just an answer file.

    If the answer file is created the PC can boot from the XP CD with the answer file on a floppy disk (or USB), therefore no keyboard input is needed until Windows is fully loaded.

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314460
     
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  9. Killian

    Killian Byte Poster

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    I did think of using an answer file but isn't the issue here that he is unable to boot from CD currently and can't change the BIOS because the KB isn't recognised through USB and the PS2 is dead.

    Looking back over the posts, no where does darkstar say it isn't set to boot from CD though.... I must have assumed it.

    If the BIOS is set to allow boot up from CD before HDD then that'd work fine :)
     
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  10. Sparky
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    Sparky Zettabyte Poster Moderator

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    Ahh, I overlooked that.

    Could be possible to create another partition in Windows and install to there (from within Windows) creating a dual boot. After that the boot.ini can be changed to boot to the new install and the other one can be deleted.
     
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  11. simonp83

    simonp83 Kilobyte Poster

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    If the keyboard doesn't work, presume that means that when it says "boot from cd, press any key..." that won't work either? An answer file would be the main bet but not experience enough to know whether it automates the entire process or whether you need to actually do the "Press Enter" bit before it sets up the partition. The issue with the keyboard is probably related to the USB mod in the bios.

    What about removing the harddrive, doing the install on another machine and then doing the sysprep before putting the hard drive back in the machine. That should do it?
     
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  12. Killian

    Killian Byte Poster

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    Yeah; that was one of the things Dalsoth and myself suggested at the start of the thread. I think Darkstar is going to try it and see. I think we're just trying to think up other ways at the minute :)
     
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  13. Sparky
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    Its been a while but the last time I used an answer file it was fully automated. I just put the disk in when the install kicked off and it would go right through with no input.

    Using sysprep between different hardware platforms can still give you a BSOD so an answer file with the CD should give a stable build to start with.

    As long as we can boot from CD! :biggrin
     
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  14. JK2447
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    JK2447 Petabyte Poster Administrator Premium Member

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    Hi Kev, looks like the lads have suggested all the usual fixes so lets try something outside of the box. Remove the CMOS battery, its possible the default boot sequence was CDRom then HDD, thus enabling you to use Sparky's method with an answer file. Try Googling Bios Flashing to get the bios config you want although thats a long shot as its often done using a CD, but you may be able to use the floppy :) Jim
     
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  15. UKDarkstar
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    UKDarkstar Terabyte Poster

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    Bios is set to boot from hd first and I can't use kb to change that.

    I have found another similar machine I could sue to sysprep but I'm also working with Xp home, first oem edition (no SP's) and I've been reading about some prblems with that and sysprep.

    I think this is gonna take a few days to sort :eek:
     
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  16. UKDarkstar
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    UKDarkstar Terabyte Poster

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    Oooh that's a good 'un ! :p Very inventive Jim ! Ta v much :biggrin

    I think I need some shut-eye now tho' so may get up early and give it a go before work. Otherwise it's gonna take a couple of days of fiddling.
     
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  17. Sparky
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    If you have a similar machine then pehaps just take the HD from the machine you want to use, install it in the similar PC, install Windows etc. and then swap the hard drive back.

    You *might* just get away with it! :biggrin
     
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  18. Killian

    Killian Byte Poster

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    Just got to find out whether the answer file will get you past the 'Press any key to boot from CD' prompt else you'll be in the same boat whether it boats to CD or HDD first. :)

    I've only used Answer files when deploying through WDS so not sure whether it does or not. I'm sure you'll find out.

    Do post back here and let us know what you do :)
     
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  19. UKDarkstar
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    UKDarkstar Terabyte Poster

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    Possibly :p

    The newer machine (earmarked for my Mum !) is an ASUS Terminator T2-PH1 and the problem one is an ASUS Terminator T2-R.

    From memory there's about 2 years of development between them :eek:
     
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  20. GSteer

    GSteer Megabyte Poster

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    One thing no-ones mentioned yet, and I've had to do this for HDD swaps in dissimilar hardware, install the OS on a different machine, hw doesn't really matter too much [see quantifiers below!], the main thing that's going to BSOD you on startup is the IDE drivers.

    You need to head in to Device Manager and set the Primary and Secondary IDE (insert correct acronym for board) controllers to use the MS default drivers, not the board controller specific ones, strip them back to the basic ones, power it off (important not to boot it back up in the incubation system after doing this), fire the drive in to the other system and it should boot without any issues, detecting the new hardware and throwing the never ending new hardware prompts at you.

    At least this has worked in the past and has been the only main hurdle I've had to booting except the SATA Legacy IDE/AHCI thing. It's been a while since I did this, wouldn't try it on a system thats configured in SATA RAID mode for instance.

    Additional note: Another thing you may come across is that you'll want to ensure you're using a system that has a similar number of cpus/cores - Deeper reading here for those interested: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/299340
     
    Last edited: Aug 31, 2010
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