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54695
December 17th, 2012 16:00
Keyboard Failure - need BIOS update
I recently got a Matias Tactile Pro 3 keyboard for my Dell XPS 435MT that is running Windows 7 Ultimate (x64) Service Pack 1 (build 7601).
| Board: Dell Inc. 0R849J A01 |
However, the PC would display the following Keyboard Failure error message at start up:
Keyboard Failure
Press F2 to Run SETUP
Press F1 to load default values and continue
Below are additional details and the work-around:
The MTP keyboard is plugged into a USB port on the back of my PC. These USB ports work for other USB keyboards.
If another USB keyboard is plugged into an USB 4-port extender (also plugged into the back of the PC) then the MTP does not get the keyboard failure error at start up.
If another USB keyboard is not plugged into an USB 4-port extender then the MTP does get the keyboard failure error at start up. Then I can plug the other keyboard into the USB extender and press F1 on this keyboard and the start up will go through. And I can use the MTP.
I have discussed this issue with Matias' technical support and their detailed answer is below:
"I've seen this problem once before, about 3 years ago. A public library had bought several keyboards to use with their computers, and they all had the same problem you have. The cause ended up being that the BIOS on their computers was buggy.
All computers run software called BIOS at the beginning when they are starting up. The BIOS controls "Basic Input Output" functions, such as keyboards. However, in rare situations, the computers' BIOS is buggy, and doesn't handle certain kinds of high end keyboards properly. I think that's the situation you have. I predict that the other USB keyboard you plugged in did not have a USB hub or had a more basic USB hub, and was just a basic keyboard.
So, there are two ways of fixing this problem. Method #1 is to contact Dell and ask for any "patches" to update the BIOS to fix the bug. Method #2 is to do what you are doing, which is basically telling the computer "OK, I know you are confused by the fact this is a high-end keyboard, so let me just show you this basic keyboard to reassure you that there really is a keyboard attached, so that you'll let me actually use the keyboard I really want to use"."
I have also checked the Dell site for any BIOS update for my system and there isn't any. I would really appreciate getting a BIOS update to fix this problem. Thanks!
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Leo523
3 Posts
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March 20th, 2013 15:00
Happy news! I finally got around to the BIOS setup and disabled the "display keyboard errors" option and now my Matias keyboard loads on its own without the help of a generic USB keyboard. Just thought I would post this solution for anyone who might be in a similar predicament. And thanks to all who helped!
RoHe
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December 17th, 2012 17:00
According to Dell's Support site there's BIOS version 1.1.4 available for this system running Win 7 64-bit. You indicated that you have the prior version BIOS 1.1.3.
The fix listed for 1.1.4 doesn't seem to relate to USB so I don't know if it's going to help.
Keep in mind that BIOS flash updates have a small chance of failing and bricking the motherboard. So there's always a risk to a flash update. Be sure to close all windows, disable antiviral software, and disconnect all devices except mouse, monitor and keyboard before running the flash update.
There's a USB speed option setting in BIOS Setup (High Speed or Full/Low Speed). That may refer to USB2 vs USB1.1, so you could experiment by changing that setting, but other devices may object if USB is set to Full/Low Speed.
Leo523
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December 18th, 2012 14:00
Thanks for the tips, Ron. When I searched for the BIOS update using my system's service tag nothing came up. It would be nice if Dell can give a little more detail on what this 1.1.4 update can fix (keyboard failure?), As you said, it might be risky updating the BIOS and I sure don't want to take that chance if the update does not avail the keyboard. I will check up on the options in the next few days to see how best to proceed. Thanks again!
Leo
RoHe
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December 18th, 2012 16:00
Unfortunately, searching for drivers by Service Tag is iffy, at best these days. We nag Dell constantly (eg, daily!) to fix their support site. I'll report this issue too. They usually don't give a lot of detail on fixes implemented in new BIOS releases. Another of our complaints...
If the system is still under warranty, Dell should replace the motherboard for free if a BIOS update turns the existing motherboard into a brick. Obviously, I don't work for Dell so I can't guarantee what/anything they'll do if you end up with a brick.
Key to running a successful flash are to disconnect all devices except mouse, monitor, keyboard, disabling your antiviral / antimalware software and stopping any other unessential prorgrams/processes that are running in the background. And never run a flash update if there are thunderstorms in the area or any risks the power might blink during the flash.
RoHe
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December 18th, 2012 17:00
Could just be a bum keyboard...
Tesla1856
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December 18th, 2012 17:00
Try all the USB ports because they are usually on different hub-circuits. Rear (on MB) ports usually work better, but try them all.
Try Matias KB on other machine. Try normal USB KB on this XPS-435 ... see where problem follows. See what checks as good.
Check BIOS for USB-Legacy option. Try in both positions.
If this KB is using over 500mA it is out-of-spec and will cause various problems with MB and Windows (they try to save themselves from over-amping the ports and blowing up).
On many machines ... some tricked-out USB devices get mis-detected as the wrong things. Example, USB printer gets detected as a flash drive and the PC tries to boot from it (slowing boot-up). This is usually the fault of the USB device themselves. Not much you can do except fix it or replace it.