Reference number: CH000449

Installing a PC computer keyboard.

Question:

Installing a PC computer keyboard.

Answer:

Before getting started
Connect cables
Install Software / Drivers
Troubleshooting

Before getting started

1. Difficulty of installing computer mouse should be a 1 out of 5.
2. When connecting the PS/2 keyboard, ensure the computer is off; if the keyboard is a USB keyboard the computer can be off or on during the installation.

Connect cables

PS/2 Keyboard

1. Connect the keyboard to the PS/2 port on the back of the computer.
2. When looking at the back of the computer you'll notice two PS/2 ports next to each other. Verify you're connecting the keyboard into the purple connection as shown in the below pictures. If your PS/2 ports are not color coded the keyboard will be the connection closest to the left edge of the computer (when looking at it from the back). If the connections are vertical and not horizontal as shown below the keyboard connection may be either depending on the type of case and motherboard. Look for a small symbol next to the port to identify which one is the keyboard.

Tip: If you are confused what PS/2 cable is what when under your desk, generally the PS/2 cable is thicker than the PS/2 mouse cable.

USB Keyboard

Connect the USB keyboard to the USB ports on the back or front of your computer, or if you are using a USB port hub, connect the mouse to to the hub. Additional information about why a USB keyboard may not work in MS-DOS or in Safe Mode can be found on document CH000298.

Install Software / Drivers

If your keyboard has any special features such as a built on touch pad or special buttons or is wireless, for these features to work properly, the software and/or drivers for the keyboard must be installed after the computer keyboard has been connected to the computer.

Troubleshooting

If additional issues are encountered during or after the installation of the computer keyboard, please refer to our main keyboard page for additional help and information.

Additional information:

• See our PS/2 and USB dictionary definitions for additional information and related links on each of these terms.