Cannot Use Natural Keyboard Elite in MS-DOS Mode

• Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite

SYMPTOMS

When you start your computer or restart your computer in MS-DOS mode, the Natural Keyboard Elite may not function properly. In addition, you may receive a "Keyboard Error" or "Keyboard Not Present" error message when you start your computer.

CAUSE

This issue can occur if you connect the Natural Keyboard Elite to your computer using a Universal Serial Bus (USB) adapter and your computer's BIOS does not support USB keyboards. Your computer's BIOS must support USB keyboards for the Natural Keyboard Elite to work in MS-DOS.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, contact your computer manufacturer to inquire about obtaining an updated BIOS that supports USB keyboards.

To work around this issue, use one of the following procedures:

• Shut down Windows, and then turn off the computer. Disconnect the keyboard from the USB port, and then remove the USB adapter. Connect the keyboard to a PS/2 port on the computer, and then restart the computer.
• If you have a PS/2 keyboard available, shut down Windows, and then turn off the computer. Plug the PS/2 keyboard into a PS/2 port on the computer, and then restart the computer. Use the PS/2 keyboard in MS-DOS, and use the USB keyboard in Windows.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about using the USB adapter with the Natural Keyboard Elite, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q182796
   TITLE     : Connecting the Natural Keyboard Elite Using a USB Adapter