[RESOLVED] [XP] Lose keyboard function for 20-30 seconds

Using XP, Word 2003, and a Logitech PS2 keyboard.

I am typing and without rhyme or reason I lose keyboard function for appx 30 seconds. I have mouse functions, but cannot type anything. The first time it occurred, a day ago, I clicked keys, moved the pointer, clicked several keys, etc. It happened again, maybe 15 minutes later. The third time it happened, I waited a minute and the keyboard resumed functioning. Now, when it happens, I wait 20-30 seconds and the keyboard functions return. I have been using this keyboard and this computer, without any significant changes, for the past several years.

What in the heck is going on and how do I prevent this from happening?

Trying a different/new keyboard would be the first thing to try to make sure its not the ps2 port or a windows issue.

Will try a new keyboard and get back to you in a day.

You could also try a ps2 to usb adapter if you have one to see if its might be the ps2 port on your board.

Try uninstalling and reinstalling the keyboard drivers and see if that helps.

Changed the keyboard and the problem is still there.

In addition, there is a second problem, which occurs on both the old keyboard and the new one I just connected, and that is repeating keys. I am typing and suddenly I get thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis, and it is very hard to stop. I have to hold down the left click on my mouse to finally get it to stop. It happened on the old keyboard and now on the new one.

Found the keyboard driver. Will uninstall and re-install and see if that makes a difference.

Installed the keyboard driver and the problems continue.

I intend to switch computers tomorrow, to see if that makes a difference.

My keyboard functions are generally screwed up. I lose function for 20-30 seconds, periodically, I am getting repeating keys, and my alt and window keys were reversed.

I re-installed the keyboard driver and the problems continued.
I tried a new keyboard and the problems continued.
I connected a backup computer and had no problems.

This suggests that the problem is in the computer.

Does this idea make sense: I should remove and reinstall Microsoft Office 2003 and/or, more drastically, re-install the operating system?

I am told that if I reinstall Word 2003, my settings, including macros and autocorrects are retained, which is a good thing. But, I may be retaining whatever is causing the problems.

If I re-install XP, I should save my hard drive to either backup discs or a mini disc drive, so as not to lose software and files that I absolutely need. I am afraid to to this, because there is the potential of screwing things up, but I do not see an alternative.

I am caught between a rock and a hard place. Any ideas or precautionary advice?

Adjust your KB settings then.
Control panel, Keyboard.
Slow things down and that should help out.

Managing Keyboard Settings
http://www.theeldergeek.com/HT2_007.htm

It is not keyboard settings that are causing the repeating keys. once they start repeating, they will repeat for several minutes, even if I walk away from the computer. The repeating keys go on forever, until I take some action to stop the repeating.

Go into Safe Mode, Device manager and remove all keyboards.
Reboot to windows and the KB will be picked up as new equipment and Windows should install new uncorrupted drivers.

See if that works and let us know what happens.

Or alternatively, this may be a good occasion to use System Restore to roll back to a point before the trouble started.

Finally figured out what the problem was. It was a defective kvm switch. As it turns out, if I connect my keyboard directly to the computer, I have no problems. If I connect through the kvm switch, I have the problems as described.

Thanks to all of you who chimed in on these problems. I learned something each time I tried a proposed remedy, even if it did not work.

I'm glad to hear that you got it sorted out. Thanks for posting back with the fix :)