About Gary Housknecht Expertise common keyboard shortcuts; internet keyboard functionality; use shift key to undo caps lock; reassign key functions; wireless keyboard questions
Experience 10+ years PC software and hardware tech support.
Expert: Gary Housknecht Date: 12/29/2004 Subject: Dell Keyboard compatibility with IBM 228455U
Question My son gave me his old IBM 2284 55U computer @ 1.0MHz with AMD Athlon chip, running on MS XP. I want to use the Dell keyboard from my old computer, Dell Family 6 Model 5 @ 400 MHz,running on MS ME, but the IBM computer does not recognize it when connected. I have an old IBM keyboard that works fine with the IBM computer. Is there an answer to this compatibility problem or do I need to purchase a new keyboard? I prefer the slightly newer Dell keyboard. Both keyboards are standard 101, nothing fancy.
Answer When you replace the IBM with the Dell keyboard are you doing so with the power to the CPU off? You cannot switch midstream while the PC is running unless both keyboards are USB - which I suspect is not the case.
Plug the Dell keyboard in with power totally off and then power up. WinXP should see the new keyboard and load a driver for it.
If the above scenario is not the case, it may be that you need a special driver for the Dell keyboard. Check in to Dell's Web site for driver downloads. Beyond that I am afraid I cannot be of further help unless I was there.
