Console Hot Key

[perstare]

First, it's a good thing that NICK10 posted his comment (5/19/10) at this point because I just happened to see it. Nick10's information helped me so that I wouldn't be seeking a change in the "default image" (as Nick10 expressed it) whenever I changed the hot key .

Second, Carfal's reply was the ingredient that pointed me in the right direction for a solution. I am seeking a "quick and dirty" solution for the time being and Carfal helped me to find it. I powered off, inserted the keyboard cable as a PS2 and NOW I have what I need for the time being. I can use the keyboard to get into the BIOS when I need to, **and the keyboard WILL get me into the Rollback RX Console if I need to do that.**

This situation arose when I got a new keyboard. I've had many problems with it but the thing that troubled me most was my inability to get into
Rollback Rx if I had to. I am using my old keyboard until I have time to get this whole mess sorted out.

CARFAL -- a quesion: Can you give me a rough idea as to the BIOS headings or location of the command(s) which will allow me to make a USB connected keyboard readable by the computer when the Rollback Rx splash screen pops up?

Thank you, guys!
Mike B

[carfal]

perstare, I'm glad i was of some assistance.

Im no expert on BIOS matters but there is a thread in another forum which discusses your exact problem.

https://forums.comodo.com/help-ctm/w...-t68661.0.html

The link is to a forum about a product called Comodo Time Machine (CTM). Do not be tempted to use this product. You'll regret it! However a post on this forum serves the purpose of explaining your issue and things you can try.

In the end i dont think they were able to make a USB keyboard work at boot time. You may have better luck.

Goodluck

[Owl]

A question guys, just for background knowledge:

Does a USB keyboard get you into the BIOS setup at boot time?

[Froggie]

Greetings! I've never had a problem with a USB keyboard accessing either SETUP or the Rollback console... as long as the BiOS' USB mode has been set for LEGACY use. The problem is that some BiOS don't offer that option... although almost all of them have the USB LEGACY mode permanently set.

If the BiOS is set correctly, you should have no problem getting access to the above. Don't be too afraid of it... just enter SETUP and start looking around, BUT... don't make any changes until you understand where you are and what you're doing . Basically... be careful.

Sometimes OEM machines (big box manufacturers) discuss BiOS settings in their manuals. If it's not a big box and was hand made, the mainboard manual that came with the box usually always has a discussion of the BiOS options.

[perstare]

Well! I am grateful for the involvement of several people here. My problem is on hold (and that is where I want it, for the time being). My computer is doing **what I want,** and that solved my problem.

Where do I begin?

Froggie reminded me to consult the BIOS instructions. Yes, I DO have the manual for my mobo and I'll read it. Yes, it would be an excellent idea for me to make my computer able to see commands from a USB keyboard after the POST but before the boot. I appreciate your remark. I'll dig a little deeper into this problem. I do want my new keyboard (with its nice curved ergonomic keys easy on my wrists) to work. My wrists can't tolerate the abuse that a conventional keyboard causes. Froggie, thank you.

Owl -- Thank you for jumping in. Please read the responses that these good guys have made. You are fortunate to have these guys on your side. If you dig into this problem and find another factor which hasn't been discussed, please post it. I will be able to learn from it.

Carfal is cautious. He has the sympathy to understand the problem and the kindness to warn me away from Comodo Time Machine.

This is where I stand now , thanks to your help: I can type. I can get into the BIOS. And I have Rollback Rx in my back pocket which can get me out of a jam -- **I KNOW FOR A FACT now that I can switch on Rollback Rx if I need it. **

Thank you.
Mike B

[perstare]

Carfal mentioned Comodo Time Machine. I went to the site that he recommended.
Verrrry interesting.

Thank you, Carfal

Mike B

[perstare]

As I mentioned in an earlier post, many members of this board volunteered to help by posting their thoughts. I had success based on what I learned from them.

What I did:

I changed the BIOS so that the computer can “see” keyboard commands although the keyboard is plugged into a USB port. The BIOS of my mobo (Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD3R) allowed this change to be made under the “Integrated Peripherals” Heading and the Enable/Disable setting under “USB Keyboard Function.” It might be useful to note that **before** I changed the BIOS, the “USB 1.0 Controller” and the “USB 2.0 Controller” functions were already ENABLEd, while the “USB Keyboard Function” was DISABLEd.

After I changed the BIOS, my keyboard did what I wanted: I could get into the BIOS and I could get into Rollback Rx upon the appearance of the splash screen. Next problem: Substitute the ergonomic keyboard, Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000, using its USB connection. That was easy, once the BIOS change had been made. Now I have everything: A keyboard that is easy on my wrists and the ability to get to the BIOS and get to Rollback Rx if I need to.

What can be learned:

If a user has problems involving an **apparent failure** of Rollback Rx to respond to the HOME command, there could be several reasons. This thread has turned up two. There may be more (if you are an experienced user, please read this message and post your additions, comments and corrections):

First,
If a user changed the Subsystem Console Hot Key (Program Settings>Program Appearance) from HOME to another key (“END” for example) it is the responsibility of that user to remember that change! Why? Because the Rollback Rx splash screen is a “default image” and it **does not change** if the Hot Key is changed.
(Remark: Someone proposed using “F1” to be the Hot Key. I am guessing that that’s a bad idea because F1 has another function: Help.)

Second:
The problem might be that the computer does not “see” the keystroke of a keyboard that was plugged into a USB port (that’s what happened in my case). In this case, a change in the BIOS would correct that.
(Remark 1: If you plan to modify the BIOS and you’re a novice, as I am, remember Elmer Fudd’s advice – “Be vewy vewy careful.” Alter the BIOS only when you have a clear head and when you won’t be interrupted or distracted.)
(Remark 2: It is possible that the computer does not even “see” your keyboard command to enter the BIOS, whatever that command might be. In that case, I can only say what worked for me: Power Off, then use the PS2 socket instead of USB. If that doesn’t work try a different keyboard.)

Many thanks to those of you who helped me. I could never have succeeded if you hadn’t.

Mike B

[carfal]

perstare, thank you for the update.