Install new hard drive with USB keyboard and mouse

[CPaul123]

I have a system that the hard drived failed. I bought a new hard drive, however it only has USB ports for the keyboard and mouse. When I boot from my startup disk, the system doesn't detect either USB keyboard or mouse. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Very Frustrated!

 

[tomaso11]

I think your first problem is knowing what components you have bought.
Did you buy a "base unit"? i.e new p.c without peripherals.
Or a motherboard ??

 

[CPaul123]

I have a computer without any PS/2 ports only USB ports. The hard drive crashed. I purchased another hard drive and I am trying to install it with the install diskette that came with the new hard drive. However, when the machine boots up it doesn't recognize either the keyboard or mouse (because they are USB keyboard and mouse). Therefore I am unable to type or click through any of the prompts to format the new hard drive or install the new OS.

 

[tomaso11]

What is the make and model please?

 

[CPaul123]

Compaq Presario EZ2200

 

[tomaso11]

So what are connections behind rear ez access panel?
Think Bios is on partition have you asked Compaq, they do
offer fairly extensive info on their site.

 

[CPaul123]

The only connections are USB.

 

[tomaso11]

So how does your usb monitor work? Did you look on Compaq site did they have any answers?If not I guess your toaster is toast unless you replace mobo.

 

[micker377]

What OS are you installing? Can you place the hard drive into another computer, install win98, and place it back in your computer? You may have to straighten out some driver problems, but it should then recognize USB. Then, if necessary, you can upgrade to XP.

 

[tomaso11]

Compaq just love being the oddballs of the computing world.
Take a real close look and see if the connectors aren't present on the board but hidden behind a decor panel. I have a coulpe of old SB's of about the same vintage the ps2 ports appear through piercings in the plate.

 

[micker377]

tomaso11:
I looked this up and the specs call for only USB. That's why I suggested install 98 on another machine and upgrade in the new unit.

 

[tomaso11]

micker377,
I have been taking a look this machine. It is an early attempt at making PCs pretty and consumer freindly for the technophobic folks.My thoughts were that it may use an EP/SB deskpro series board or similar and just have the ps2 ports blanked.The EZ tag isnt there by chance its supposed to be an "EZ PC" so avoiding the dangers of hotplugging a ps2 mouse.My question is did they commission
a board with the circuits removed? Or did they just hide the suckers?

 

[tomaso11]

I was rummaging around in my storeroom and came across a SERIAL mouse did a quick google and found SERIAL keyboards.
It appears that they are highly unsought after and sell for peanuts.

Thomas