Wireless Keyboard problem

Question

I had to reinstall my WinXP on my new Dell Deninsion 4700 computer now I can NOT get into the bios to make some changes on a second hard drive I installed. I have tried to uninstall and reinstall the keyboard driver but still can't get in. It makes no difference if I hit F2 or F12 or F8 nothing works seems like the drivers for the keyboard are loading after windows starts??? Everything else works fine as to all of the keys on keyboard just the F keys seem not to function. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Dell 4700 3.4 Gig Processor 1 Gig memory ATI Radeon X300 Video card I have the A05 Bios in (supposed to be the latest) Is there supposed to be a driver installation disk? If so I did not get one

Dprosser · Answer

Hi, I am having the exact problem with my new Dim 8400 w a wireless keyboard. This is the second unit (tech support could not fix previous), have spent 3 hours with them in last day, they promised to get back to me tonight. My f-keys do not work to get into setup, boot, or anything while booting. F-keys work fine once i'm in an application. I will get back to you once I hear from tech s. Almost seems that the USB device isn't loading in time

jmk1986 · Answer

I have a wireless USB keyboard too. I believe that you need to find the certain USB port that is detected by the BIOS (I think its in the front, but you have many to test.) HOWEVER, a wise thing to do is to buy one of those cheap PS/2 keyboards if you really want to get into the BIOS. Thats what I did. So, get a PS/2 keyboard.

jake101 · Answer

I have a wired board but the question I have is if Dell can send the computer to me and the 'F' keys work why the heck can't they tell me how to fix the problem????? Thanks anyway ,if I find out anythingt will post again good luck

Majestic · Answer

As jmk1986 mentioned, try plugging the keyboard into another USB port.  Some Dell models like the 8100, 8200 and 8300 offered one USB port that was active during boot up.  The same scheme maybe carried over to your models.  Otherwise the USB ports are inactive until Windows loads the necessary drivers and you will have to use a PS/2 style keyboard.

Dprosser · Answer

Thanks folks I'll try another USB, crazy, I have been on theline w tech Support for 10+ hours, they are sending a tech, new M-board and keyboard, if this works I'm not impressed w Dell tech as this is the second unit

jake101 · Answer

Thanks Majestic the only question I have now is why the heck didn't the Dell rep tell me that when I went thru all the mickey mouse trials he put me thru?

Some day Dell will understand India is not the answer

Majestic · Answer

I don't think the problem is necessarily with India.  Since the time I have been visiting the forums here, I've seen a variety of problems resolved by other users where as even the American based tech support was stumped.  Some things are just better solved by other users who have hands-on experience versus someone sitting at a desk reading off trouble-shooting script.

PredAlien · Answer

maybe they should speed up the search engine in this forum and have the Dell Techs use it. If they can read english, they woulf most likly find an answer to every question. PredAlien

jake101 · Answer

That was the problem, I have a flat panel monitor and tried to use one of the USB ports on the monitor!! That will not work (on the Dell 4700)

I plugged the USB wireless remote sensor in the front USB port on the tower and I can now get into the BIOS.There is also a USB in the back that will work but don't know which one ,I had the USB sensor plugged there originally

Thanks to all for the help!

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