Keyboard Error

[Bewafaa]

Every time I boot up my W98 Machine it comes up with the following error message:

'Initialising device VKD windows protection error'

I cannot get past this and am unable to boot into Windows. I have done the fix suggested from Technet but to no joy (reinsert the keyboard), I have tried a known working keyboard but to no avail. I have removed my original keyboard and tried it in another machine and it works fine.
I really need to be able to boot into Windows as I have alot of important data on the C:
any ideas anyone?
Many thanks in advance

 

[crisc]

Try a USB keyboard.

 

[Bewafaa]

Dont have a USB keyboard, sorry.
Any further ideas?

 

[m1ckG]

What happens if you unplug keyboard and turn PC on, you should get a keyboard failure error, plug keyboard in at this point and press any key to continue.

PS2 port for keyboard is not damaged at all, pins in connector all ok????

 

[PeterGriff]

Try starting in safe mode (F8 during startup or holding down the CONTROL key for Win98 (usually)).

Otherwise do a refresh install over your existing install.

Peter G

 

[crisc]

Anther thing to look at is the PS/2 connector itself, sometimes pins from other keyboards can break off inside, but not jam it up so bad that other keyboards can still seem to be connected.

 

[crisc]

Guys, I don't think safemode is possible, as this message is likely coming up during POST, which happens before it would allow the startup menu to be accessed.

 

[PeterGriff]

No, this isnt a POST error, it is a Windows initialisation error. I have had it before a long time a go and cant remember exactly how I resolved it. If you can get going in safe mode you have a chance of tracking down the problem. Otherwise, unless you can find a way of resolving it from DOS (ie changing /adding / deleting files) which requires specific information about the cause of the issue then you are faced with a re-install.

Peter G