1 Rookie
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6 Posts
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26 Points
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265
June 4th, 2026 09:27
OPTIPLEX 380S, front and back USB Ports not working
I share a similar problem with other users' concern on the Dell Optiplex 380. Mine is a little different: Aside the fact that the USB ports do not work after boot, it only works in BIOS and F8. This was really strange to see that it is like that. I did try other remedies suggested in other related posts such as replacing the CMOS battery with a new one, enabling PS/2 port add-on (tho this was enabled prior). I find it ironic to have PS/2 port enabled when there was no serial port to begin with.
Anyway, it only works in BIOS and F8. After trying other keyboards and mice hoping it would connect with the system, it will show no movement; cursor is still at the center. Please help me out of this so I can access my old files. Thanks.
Dell-Christian B
2 Intern
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12 Posts
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43 Points
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June 5th, 2026 13:11
@MK ULTRA
Yeah, that can be a bit tricky. I was hoping the issue wouldn’t occur in Safe Mode. Just to confirm ..what operating system are you running, and are you using a wired or wireless mouse/keyboard?
You may have already tried this, but please perform a hard reset:
This should help drain any residual electrical charge that could be causing the issue.
Worst case scenario, we may need to reinstall the operating system to fully resolve this. I know you mentioned wanting to keep access to your old files—if we go that route, you could remove the hard drive and use an external enclosure with another system to retrieve your data beforehand.
Dell-Christian B
2 Intern
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12 Posts
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43 Points
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June 4th, 2026 12:51
Hey @MK ULTRA
Thanks for reaching out. Sorry to hear about the issue. If the USB ports are working in BIOS, that indicates the hardware is likely fine.
Since the mouse isn’t working in Windows, I recommend booting into Safe Mode and uninstalling the USB drivers from Device Manager.
To uninstall USB drivers (in Safe Mode):
You can follow these steps to get into Safe Mode:
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000124344/how-to-boot-to-safe-mode-in-windows-10
Let me know if you need any help.
redxps630
11 Legend
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16K Posts
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81.9K Points
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June 4th, 2026 14:11
This model is legacy
motherboard may very well be defective
try clear CMOs settings by motherboard RTCRST jumper
Try a clean Win10 install to test usb kb mouse during install
MK ULTRA
1 Rookie
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6 Posts
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26 Points
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June 5th, 2026 04:16
@Dell-Christian B
Hi. Thank you for your suggestion.
The only problem with that is the system unit cannot read the mouse and keyboard. I tried testing all USB ports (2 front, 6 in the back) and I see no red light emitting from my mouse the moment it's plugged in. At first, I thought there was something wrong with the motherboard but because it's functional in BIOS, I am more leaning on to driver issues.
I can look for related drivers for Optiplex 380 but installing them in the PC is tricky to do so.
MK ULTRA
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6 Posts
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26 Points
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June 5th, 2026 04:20
@redxps630
Hi. Thank you for your suggestion.
"try clear CMOs settings by motherboard RTCRST jumper"
Please correct me if I'm wrong. Do I press the jumper with the battery removed or not?
Oh, and I plan to retain the OS (might upgrade to Win7) to use a floppy disk reader.
redxps630
11 Legend
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16K Posts
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81.9K Points
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June 5th, 2026 12:09
Replace battery w a new one which is already done
move jumper from password pins to RTCRST x 5-10 sec then move back to password. This is done when pc is powered off
MK ULTRA
1 Rookie
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6 Posts
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26 Points
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June 6th, 2026 05:58
@Dell-Christian B
I'm running Windows XP, I'm not sure what exact model. I'm using a wired mouse and keyboard.
Reinstalling is no problem actually. I was also considering that route if things don't go according to plan. I actually need this PC to run on Windows XP or 7.
MK ULTRA
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6 Posts
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26 Points
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June 6th, 2026 06:02
@redxps630
I did that just now. I am now given a warning. Should I go to BIOS or boot settings?
Dell-Christian B
2 Intern
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12 Posts
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43 Points
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June 6th, 2026 12:25
@MK ULTRA
redxps630
11 Legend
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16K Posts
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81.9K Points
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June 6th, 2026 14:56
Bios warning is normal. Just update date time in bios and save the change then exit bios
MK ULTRA
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6 Posts
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26 Points
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June 7th, 2026 17:34
@redxps630 @Dell-Christian B
Hello.
Upon doing some manual testing myself, I can conclude that there is indeed a problem with the drivers in the hard drive; definitely corrupted OS. Since I'm in that tangent, I decided to follow your route @Dell-Christian B: I found an old hard drive, formatted it, and installed a fresh, new Windows XP Pro in it.
To my satisfaction, it worked! There really was a problem with the USB drivers [and presumably audio too]. So far, there were no errors as before: the original hard drive's OS is corrupted but I managed to retrieve the files I needed so. Thank you so much good sirs for the support! I am grateful for your comments and advises. Cheers!