Packard Bell 200 MHZ won't boot (Merged)

[sentee]

I am trying to help a friend boot her PC... It's a Packard Bell Legend Supreme 1612 model A940-TWR, AMIBIOS 1.00.12.DNOR, 0065536 KB, I tried searching for a bootdisk because the error reads "Insert bootable lmedia in the appropriate drive". the AMIBIOS(c) is 1992-1997. I've been doing a little research... and found that it might have a different motherboard based on the the Bios numbers... The keyboard isn't being recognized, only the mouse. I know that memory was added. And seeing how Packard Bell, packed up... I was fortunate to find your site. I don't hope any else had this problem but in case someone has at least I'm in the right place. I tried using a couple of bootdisk I dloaded but I kept getting "Invalid system disk" errors. (I can't go into the BIOS, cause I can't use the keyboard)

[cody580]

go into your bios and make sure you are not trying to boot from your hdd.
boot sequence a,cdrom,hdd.
>cody

[sentee]

I have tried dloaded bootdisks... and they haven't worked I get "invalid system disk...", I tired using the Master CD restore.. but it said the jumpersmay be incorrectly set... I know this shouldn't be the case since the PC was working and my sister knows nothing about opening a PC. So... with no TECH Support from Packard Bell... I'm lost... Does anyone have the schemematics for a Packard Bell Legend Supreme 1612?
Lost,

[sentee]

I've been reading some of the posts here and I see you guys really know your stuff... I am having a problem trying to get the PC to recognize the keyboard without taking the PC apart. I know a little cause I took a basic course in computer repair, but it's hard to work without a keyboard. Is there any way I can make the PC set jumpers for the keyboard without opening the PC? Also, where do I get files to load the autoexec.bat and config.sys on a diskette that would allow me to start the OS, and that will perhaps load the driver files for the keyboard. I thought it would be a cinch just to reinstall WIN98, etc... but when I try to load with a dloaded bootdisk (I have the master CD) it gives a "invalid system disk" error. This is a challenge for me. A friend suggested that I do something with the jumpers, but I would need the schematics for the PC to know which jumper to set. I tried three different keyboards which work on my PC, but not on hers. The lights come on when I boot, but nothing else happens with the keyboard. I need a step by step plan. If I pull this one then I know I'll be a techie

[MishY]

What keyboard is it ? What type of connection does it have ? PS2, USB ?

If you're installing afresh with a USB keyboard you might wanna grab a £2 PS2 keyboard just for the basic win98 install and then reinstall the USB keyboard once everything's setup and you're happy.

Has this keyboard worked on this PC before ? What keyboard did it used to have ? We need to work out whether or not the port is even on as on some motherboards you can disable PS2.

Also check if you can get into your BIOS. This would help to establish whether the keyboard is working or not.

[Murf]

Since you tried her keyboard on another computer and it works, you obviously ruled out a bad keyboard.

To my knowledge there are no "Jumpers" for a keyboard. If the keyboard is a PS/2 (very small connector), you may need to enable PS/2 in the BIOS. But if the keyboard doesn't work, how can you.

I would reboot the computer and after the first screen comes up (usually a black screen that shows the memory count, BIOS infor ect.) Hit the DELETE KEY and see if it allows you to get into SETUP (CMOS). If it does, then hunt around and see if there is a setting to enable PS/2 (if that is the kind of keyboard connector it is.) If it is a regular (Large connector) keyboard, then hunt around for any settings. Probably won't find any.

In there should be a way to set system defaults (usually a "F" key.) Do that, and Save and Exit. See if the keyboard works.

If when you press DELETE key (or what ever key the screen tells you to use to get into SETUP) and it does not work, then I would say the keyboard connector on the motherboard has gone south.

Then the only options are to replace the motherboard or, if the motherboard has a PS/2 seperate connector on the motherboard, get a PS/2 connector to plug into the Ps/2 connector on the board.

[sentee]

I'm wondering if dust on the motherboard could be causing this problem. It's a PS/2 keyboard. I got as far as the A: prompt and then I couldn't go any further. Any clues out there? If someone has the schemematics of a Packard Bell Legend Supreme1612 please forward. I have 3 keyboards that work on my PC, which is a Packard Bell but a different model number... so I tried my boot diskette. I tried other boot disks from bootdisk.com and startdisk.com. Where are the drivers for the keyboard located?

[sentee]

It was the mouse conflicting with the keyboard... so I tried to load Windows 98 and now it has other error messages. such as:
does not have hard drive ... is not functioning properly... or requires a special driver...
It either needs to be Partitioned... has not FAT32... or asks if HPFS or NTFS are installed. or that I "will need to create an MS-DOS boot partition... " I can't locate my partition magic CD as of yet... or if worst comes to worst will she have to replace the hard drive?

[AnnMarie]

Hi sentee - I have merged all your posts. Please stick to the same thread when your post relates to the original problem otherwise we all get confused

Just hit "Post Reply" at the bottom of the thread.

[sentee]

I am looking for a program like "Partition Magic", that would allow me to partition a harddrive... can someone please tell me where to find shareware?