How is a USB port recognized under the pure DOS environment?

Question

Because my daughter damaged PS/2 port of the mouse, I've been using PS/2 ->UBS adapter to make a connection between my desktop computer and the keyboard. Now I want to reinstall Windows XP and noticed that when I tried to launch the installation CD from the CD-ROM, it prompted to enter any key on the keyboard. However, I keyboard doesn't work because it's connection using the USB port rather than PS/2. To continue to reinstall the system. So, do I get a USB port recognized in the DOS environment? I appreciate anyone who is knowledgeable to this issue. Thanks.

Answer 1

Check your BIOS Settings if Legacy USB is enabled or not.

Its its Disabled enable it.

If you are trying to boot and install windows xp from Windows XP SP2 Bootable CD, the USB Keyboard and Mouse should work fine.

If you are using a older version of XP you might have this issue and you need to borrow a PS2 keyboard for the installation purpose.

If you need any further clarifications please get back to me.

Answer 2

Actually, NO, DOS is incapable of recognizing USB. that is because USB did not come out until windows 98. whay you can do is run a windows 98 Second edition installation disk to get the divers on the computer so you can use your keyboard. of course the best solution is to boot from CD and let windows install the XP drivers for the keybaord for you. you just have to go into bios, change boot order to CD first and then save. once you restart it will begin to load your windows from disk for you. once it gets to the point where it wants to restart your computer go back into bios and change the boot order back to its original setting. this will allow you to get all of your drivers on the comp without dos, since XP does not use DOS, it is built on NT.

Answer 3

You can't unless the pc's BIOS supports legacy USB devices. Sorry.