WinXP PS2 -> USB Keyboard

[sdmoochew2]

HI.
I have a standard PS2 Microsoft Mulimedia Keyboard. A couple of days ago, I tried plugging it into my friends laptop with a PS2toUSB plug. I just assumed WinXP would pick it up as a USB device and recognise it as a keyboard, however this wasnt the case. Are USB keyboards internally different? Is it just the way its connected thats different? Can anyone suggest a way to make this work? A driver or software update?

Thanx for your time.

 

[micker377]

I have a collection of PS/2 to USB adapters that don't work. If the keyboard (brand new) comes with one, it will usually work. To just "grab" an adapter and use, I haven't had much luck. To answer your question: basic keyboard functions are the same - the special multi-media functions need software. Be careful with program installs, when I set up my laptop to use a USB mouse, the PS/2 mouse no longer worked (with USB mouse removed). I had to remove the USB mouse drivers to get the PS/2 mouse to work again. On my Gateway, I just plug the PS/2 keyboard. and use the Touchpad. They also make a "Y" adapter to plug in a mouse an keyboard at the same time.

 

[bcastner]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q257729

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;262798

http://www.jsiinc.com/SUBK/tip5300/rh5301.htm