Ctrl-alt-del not responding - can't logon xp + 2003 server

[Drachnar]

Hi,

I am currently running Windows XP Pro. The ctrl-alt-del sequence is non-responsive. When I hit the key sequence nothing happens, task manager does not open.

Though a minor annoyance, this is not a huge problem. Right clicking on the task bar gets me into the task manager.

I am now attempting to install Windows Server 2003 using a dual boot, leaving XP Pro installed. Windows Server 2003 installed properly, however, ctrl-alt-del is still not working. This presents a problem, as Windows 2003 requires the sequence in order to logon. I am unable to get to a logon prompt.

I have searched here and the internet and have found solutions to disable ctrl-alt-del, however I can not get into Windows 2003 server to make this change. The same problem occurs when attempting to logon in safe mode.

Is there any way to enable the ctrl-alt-del hotkey sequence in Windows XP Pro? Once enabled in XP Pro will it start working at boot up and also work for Server 2003? If not, how do I enable the sequence in windows 2003?

Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[Jpoandl]

Because the ctrl alt del is not working in either OS on the same machine, I would suggest checking your keyboard...

When you boot the computer (before Windows start loading) can you hit CTRL ALT DEL to reboot the machine? If you can't, there may be something wrong with your keyboard.

Fix the keyboard and both OS's should work again...






Joseph L. Poandl
MCSE 2003

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[markdmac]

I've seen this problem with using a USB keyboard. Is that what you have? I was able to get the problem to go away by usign a regular keyboard and then adding the USB keyboard so the OS added in the drivers for it.

I hope you find this post helpful. Please let me know if it was.

Regards,

Mark

 

[Drachnar]

Keyboard is an old Samsung Zoom Pro M, an ergonomic keyboard. I swapped it with a another old but very basic generic keyboard and ctl-alt-del works fine now and I now have access to the os.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Now that I am in, however, the Windows 2003 Server freezes completely after 5 or 10 minutes of activity. Hmmmm. Haven't had time to figure this out yet. Has anyone experienced hardware comaptiblility issues with 2003 server? Probably a question for a seperate posting.

 

[zaznet]

Check the event logs, make sure all services that started are still running. Also bring up task manager and see if anything is running away with the CPU.

Nathan aka: zaz (zaznet)
zaz@zaz.net

http://www.zaz.net/