Windows 7 install from USB stick - no KB and mouse!

MikeHunt79 · 17 Sep 2010 at 18:19

I have a handy USB stick which I can install Windows 7 from, it worked great when installing it to my little netbook, no problems at all.

Now I'm trying to install it to my desktop, it gets to the language selection screen and my keyboard and mouse no longer work! In fact the power from the USB ports seems to have gone off as the caps lock key doesn't even make the LED in the keyboard light up.

Has anyone else had this happen? Both my KB and mouse are USB...

dbmzk1 · 17 Sep 2010 at 19:56

Had it happen back with Windows either 98 or XP, I can't remember, and it wasn't from a USB stick of course but CD.

Can't remember if i just tried again or tried different USB ports but it was something simple like that, worth a try at least.

stopper · 17 Sep 2010 at 22:40

Why don't you create an unattended installation? I did it with XP quite a few years back and it worked great. You won't even need to touch the keyboard until installation has finished, and you will be able to sort it out afterwards.
Here is an easy guide on how to make one.
http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-create-unattended-windows-7-installation-setup/

Memphis · 17 Sep 2010 at 22:41

BIOS setting. Enable legacy support.

Matteysan · 17 Sep 2010 at 23:34

Memphis said:
BIOS setting. Enable legacy support.

This is exactly what you need to do. Also check USB Keyboard is enabled if there is an option in your BIOS for it.

MikeHunt79 · 18 Sep 2010 at 01:12

Memphis said:
BIOS setting. Enable legacy support.

Thanks, it turns out some strange BIOS settings were causing this to happen.

I had 2 of my SATA ports disabled in order to prevent me wiping the wrong drive, but this turn out to disable all my SATA ports along with some of my USB ports.

I think my BIOS may be buggy, even tho I'm on the latest release. I've now enabled my SATA ports and my USB ports burst into life, and I'm now typing this from W7 now.