Keyboard, mouse, or pointing-device problems

Use this information to solve keyboard, mouse, or pointing-device problems.

  • Follow the suggested actions in the order in which they are listed in the Action column until the problem is solved.
  • See Parts listing, IBM System x3550 M3 Type 4254 and 7944 to determine which components are customer replaceable units (CRU) and which components are field replaceable units (FRU).
  • If an action step is preceded by "(Trained service technician only)," that step must be performed only by a Trained service technician.
  • Go to the IBM support website at IBM Support Portal to check for technical information, hints, tips, and new device drivers or to submit a request for information.
Symptom Action
All or some keys on the keyboard do not work.
  1. Make sure that:
    • The keyboard cable is securely connected.
    • The server and the monitor are turned on.
  2. If you are using a USB keyboard, run the Setup utility and enable keyboardless operation.
  3. If you are using a USB keyboard and it is connected to a USB hub, disconnect the keyboard from the hub and connect it directly to the server.
  4. Replace the following components one at a time, in the order shown, restarting the server each time:
    1. Keyboard
    2. (Trained service technician only) System board
The mouse or pointing device does not work.
  1. Make sure that:
    • The mouse or pointing-device cable is securely connected to the server.
    • If you are using a pointing device, the keyboard and mouse or pointing-device cables are not reversed.
    • The mouse or pointing-device device drivers are installed correctly.
    • The server and the monitor are turned on.
    • The mouse option is enabled in the Setup utility.
  2. If you are using a USB mouse or pointing device and it is connected to a USB hub, disconnect the mouse or pointing device from the hub and connect it directly to the server.
  3. Replace the following components one at a time, in the order shown, restarting the server each time:
    1. Mouse or pointing device
    2. (Trained service technician only) System board
Parent topic: Troubleshooting tables