Boot Up Error Message "keyboard error or no keyboard present"

[Retread1]

Hi All,

I have a "vintage" 286 xt from Micro Main Computer Corp, called a Tiger-286 AXT Version 1.2 from (6/8/88) that I'm having a problem getting to finish the boot process.

It has a Modular Bios V3.0 (10/21/87) from Award Software.

When I turn it on the process tests each of the drives ok and then:
. checks interrupt controller # 1 Good,
. reveals system memory at 640,
. tests system memory Good,
. checks for unexplained interrupts and stuck nmi Good,
. Get, "keyboard error or no keyboard present."
. Press F1 key to continue.

I am using a newer keyboard (that works on my other computer) with a converter to work with the old 286. The converter is brand new.

I press the key and nothing happens. Any ideas? Thank you in advance for any help you may render.

Retread1

 

[Vlad]

You're using an AT keyboard, you need an XT keyboard. Anything PS/2 will not work on an XT.

 

[Sharkonwheels]

As Vlad said, AT and later will not work.
If you have a PS/2-style keyboard, and it HAPPENS to have an AT/XT or A/X switch on the bottom, move it to XT or X. More than likely, it doesn't.

XT and AT (286 and up, except for IBM XT/286) are electrically different keyboard connections. Even though they LOOK the same (5-pin DIN round connector) they are not the same. You will need to locate either a switchable AT/XT keyboard (preferred, that way you can work both) or a PC/XT keyboard.


Tony