Keyboard locked out - unlock key msg at bootup

[blmfld]

My daughters computer (133 pentium, 64mb ram, 4gb HD, etc.)gets a keyboard error message when she trys to boot up halting her computer. When booting up, during the DOS looking screen, she gets a message saying "keyboard is locked out - unlock key". Then says to press F1 to continue. We pressed F1 but nothing happens (must need key unlocked). She tried starting her computer without the keyboard attached and received an error message saying "no keyboard found", plus the "keyboard is locked out, unlock key" message. Can anyone help? This particular computer has an actual circular type keyhole in the front...would that control the keyboard? Any help is greatly appreciated....thanks, blmfld.

[Paleo Pete]

Yes, that's the keylock. It locks access to the keyboard for security reasons, such as in a business environment where someone else might be able to access the computer when the user is away.

You might have to check inside the case, the keylock should have 2 wires running to a jumper on the motherboard. If it is disconnected, reconnect it. Some systems use a 5 pin plug that holds the wires for the power on LED as well.

Also see if you can find a jumper, computer shops should have plenty lying around. Try it with a jumper on, and with a jumper off, one of the two should allow access to the keyboard. Often the proper jumper is marked, sometimes it's not, so you might need a motherboard manual to identify it.

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Soon as I come up with all the answers...they change the questions!!

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[blmfld]

Thanks...I'll pass the information along.


[This message has been edited by blmfld (edited 11-29-2000).]

[De R Man]

blmfld...what os are you running?
Can you access BIOS?
If you can get into Bios setup utility under the Security section..

Look at the last section on unattended start If a user password is set the system will boot and run but the KEYBOARD is locked.

SOLUTION; ENTER A USER PASSWORD
PASSWORD IS REQUIRED TO BOOT FROM A FLOPPY
YOU SECURITY SETION WILL EXPLAIN WHAT ALL THE CATAGORIES MEAN BUT BASICALLY YOU WANT TO START LIKE THIS:
USER PASSWORD IS: CLEAR
SUPERVISOR PW IS: CLEAR

SET USER PASSWORD: (enter)
SET SUPERVISOR PW: (ENTER)

CLEAR USER PW

USER SETUP ACCESS (enabled)
*UNATTENDED START (ENABLED) ALSO PLEASE SEE EXPLANATIONS FOR EACH PARAMETER IN THE EXPLANATION SECTION OF THE BIOS SCREEN

[blmfld]

She is running Windows 98. Since the keyboard doesn't work, she is unable to hold down the DEL key at startup to enter into CMOS settings. Is there away around this?

[De R Man]

any way to get inside (safely) and lift the Cmos battery out?

[De R Man]

also see paleo pete's advice above on latching on to a mobo manual or post the mobo type here and help with jumpers may arrive from someone who has worked with one or checking the mobo homepage

[blmfld]

What would taking the CMOS battery out of mobo do? Would that allow us to enter into CMOS settings at bootup, or would that disconnect the key lock circuit, or both?
Thanks, blmfld.

[Paleo Pete]

Removing the battery would clear CMOS, and in many cases is not recommended, you should look for a jumper on the motherboard to clear it instead. Try my suggestion above first.

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Soon as I come up with all the answers...they change the questions!!

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)