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[W4MSL]

I use a keyboard w built-in pointing device. Both keyboard and pointing device (i.e., mouse) use PS/2 connectors. I presently use an adapter which employs an internal USB connection to convert the PS/2 input to USB. I've also used an external PS/2 to USB converter. Neither approaches are entirely satisfactory because, w W10 at least, the USB device doesn't always load reliably and boots w/o keyboard or, more often, a working mouse. A reboot usually sorts things out, but is annoying. This is never an issue on another PC w built-in hardware ports for PS/2 keyboard and mouse.

Can anyone recommend a good PCIe board which provides reliable hardware PS/2 ports for keyboard and mouse w/o any USB element? SIIG made one, and cheap knock-offs are available. However, not all seem capable of enabling the keyboard & mouse before the OS loads, which is essential to enter the setup BIOS.

Anyone use one of these adapters who can point me to a good one? The SIIG (PI2212-19G2A PCI TO PS/2 CARD MODEL JJ-PA0012-S1) is on auction at eBay, but I'm not clear if it will allow entry into the setup BIOS or not. The SIIG sites states "Note: Keyboard or mouse cannot be used in DOS using a bootable disk or for entering the system BIOS." The latter limitation would seem to be OS-independent, but maybe not. I fear off-brands would fare no better.

Many thanks.

[KX4OM]

I use a keyboard w built-in pointing device. Both keyboard and pointing device (i.e., mouse) use PS/2 connectors. I presently use an adapter which employs an internal USB connection to convert the PS/2 input to USB. I've also used an external PS/2 to USB converter. Neither approaches are entirely satisfactory because, w W10 at least, the USB device doesn't always load reliably and boots w/o keyboard or, more often, a working mouse. A reboot usually sorts things out, but is annoying. This is never an issue on another PC w built-in hardware ports for PS/2 keyboard and mouse.

Can anyone recommend a good PCIe board which provides reliable hardware PS/2 ports for keyboard and mouse w/o any USB element? SIIG made one, and cheap knock-offs are available. However, not all seem capable of enabling the keyboard & mouse before the OS loads, which is essential to enter the setup BIOS.

Anyone use one of these adapters who can point me to a good one? The SIIG (PI2212-19G2A PCI TO PS/2 CARD MODEL JJ-PA0012-S1) is on auction at eBay, but I'm not clear if it will allow entry into the setup BIOS or not. The SIIG sites states "Note: Keyboard or mouse cannot be used in DOS using a bootable disk or for entering the system BIOS." The latter limitation would seem to be OS-independent, but maybe not. I fear off-brands would fare no better.

Many thanks.

Is this the kind of adapter that you tried? I have a similar situation.

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Keyboard-Converter-Adapter

Ted, KX4OM

[W4MSL]

Ted,

I have one similar by ZioTek. I need to re-try it to see if it's more reliable than my present one, which is fitted into a rear slot as-if connecting to the PCI card bus, but it doesn't. It just takes an internally cabled USB port and does the conversion. It at least will let me access the setup bios when needed, so I'm probably better off leaving things as-is. I heard from SIIG, and they confirmed that their product does NOT allow for intering the setup bios.

Thanks.

Doc

[KD6VXI]

There may be BIOS settings, depending on mobo brand.

A few of my machines have "Enable USB Keyboard At Boot" options in their BIOS.  With it enabled, I can use usb keyboards and mice to make changes.

Without that checked, no bueno.

It's going to be the same with a USB to PS/2 adapter.  Matter of fact, worse.  Because both the Mobo and the adapter are going to have to support USB keyboards for BIOS.

This may or may not be an issue depending on age and mobo BIOS.


--Shane
WP2ASS / ex KD6VXI

[W4MSL]

Yep. All as you say. My system is set so as to be able to enter the setup BIOS using my PS/2 USB converter. The real question has to do w a NON-USB PS/2 add-on PCIe card. According to SIIG, their PCIe PS/2 card (no USB ports or function) will not allow access to setup BIOS. I imagine other dedicated PCIe PS/2 cards behave this way. So, I'll be sticking w my PS/2 to USB converter, it  seems.