Windows XP - My PS/2 mouse is not recognized.

  1. Items to quickly try:
    • Reseat the mouse cable in the PS/2 port.
    • Make sure there are no bent pins on the mouse cable connector.
    • Try a different mouse.
    • Run a virus scan program. Refer to the Windows XP - Detecting/Identifying Viruses checklist for additional information.

  2. If hardware or software was added immediately before the problem started, remove the added hardware or software. Turn off the computer before removing hardware.

  3. If it is known when the problem started, use System Restore.

    Note: If no hardware or software has been added and System Restore is not applicable, continue troubleshooting.

    Test the computer after each step until a resolution is found.

  4. Perform a clean boot, and then determine whether an error message appears during startup stating Keyboard not recognized.

    • If the keyboard is not recognized on startup:

      1. Check for damage to the keyboard cable, for example cuts or pinches in the cable. Also check for any bent or broken pins in the cable.

      2. If supported by the motherboard, swap the keyboard and mouse connections.

      3. Verify the settings in the BIOS Setup Utility.

    • If the keyboard is recognized on startup:

      1. Determine whether the keyboard works at the Command Prompt.

      2. Remove the startup disk from the floppy disk drive, and then restart the computer by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL. Check Event Viewer for any error or warning events.

      3. Check Device Manager in Normal mode.

        • Verify everything is properly installed and does not contain a red X or yellow exclamation point.
        • Verify there are no device conflicts.
        • Verify there is no hardware listed under Other Devices.

      4. If the issue started after installing a new device driver, use Driver Rollback to revert to the previous driver.

        Note: Driver Rollback does not work with printer drivers.

      5. Start the computer in Safe mode.

        1. Check Device Manager for duplicate devices.

        2. Recreate the issue, if applicable. If the computer works properly in Safe mode, the issue may be a program or device driver loading.

    If following the above procedures did not resolve your problem, please contact Gateway through one of the following methods: