| Author |
Message |
    
Edmay
Citizen
Username: Edmay
Post Number: 602
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, August 10, 2002 - 7:04 pm: |     |
Help me please if you can.
A family member who shall remain nameless,
shut down my PC improperly, without exiting windows, etc. Now I cannot start Windows 98 on my COMPAQ DESKPRO. Error points to Virtual keyboard device, VKD error. Never had this before, but i did recently install an HP OfficeJet G85 Printer/fax/scanner/copier. Did not uninslall old printer. Tried safe start - sort of - cannot find windows 98 disk to re-install. Not having my PC is a real pain - I am reduced to using my daughter's iMac. With the black keyboard where I can't see the letters and smaller screen than my 21" Nokia. More importantly I can't get to my Word, Excel, etc, files for business and personal and trade association use.
If you can help me, I would appreciate it.
Ed May
761-1774 |
Timmeh
Citizen
Username: Timmeh
Post Number: 451
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 10, 2002 - 7:17 pm: | |
Unplug your keyboard and reboot. While the reboot is happening (after first beep) replace the keyboard. |
Enigmabomb
Citizen
Username: Enigmabomb
Post Number: 229
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 11, 2002 - 3:34 am: | |
It won't do it timmy! It will halt on no keyboard unless he has said otherwise, and compaqs have that setting by default. =( Timmeh! I have done lots of computer work for people on the board. You can reach me at 973-715-4298 |
Timmeh
Citizen
Username: Timmeh
Post Number: 453
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 11, 2002 - 10:25 am: | |
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q263318
Tim-MEH! |
Lseltzer
Citizen
Username: Lseltzer
Post Number: 1052
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 11, 2002 - 10:39 am: | |
The bottom line of the article is that your keyboard is probably busted, but the first thing you should try is just unplugging and replugging-in the keyboard with the system off and then rebooting. If that doesn't work and you have another computer, try swapping keyboards to see if that works. If it does, the other keyboard is toast. Go to Staples or somewhere like that. Keyboards cost something like $15. |
Edmay
Citizen
Username: Edmay
Post Number: 609
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 11, 2002 - 4:58 pm: | |
Timmeh, Enigmabomb, Larry
Thanks for all the advise - tried all your suggestions - still getting error - "while initializing device VKD: windows protection error.
If I start up with KB unplugged it tell me to check KB and replug - tried 2 other keyboards. Put in a call to Enigmabomb at the number above - meantime if any kind soul would call me at 973-761-1774 with advice, I would be most appreciative.
Ed May
761-1774 |
Brianoleary
Citizen
Username: Brianoleary
Post Number: 664
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, August 12, 2002 - 12:39 pm: | |
Timmeh is full of surprises  |
Bets
Citizen
Username: Bets
Post Number: 197
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 12, 2002 - 3:52 pm: | |
Are you sure it's VKD and not VXD? VXD are virtual device driver files, and may require the Windows 98 CD (if you don't have the cab files installed). |
Edmay
Citizen
Username: Edmay
Post Number: 616
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 12, 2002 - 11:12 pm: | |
Enigmabomb came over and ran some diagnostics today. It still says VKD. Not VXD. Tomorrow we plan to re-install Windows 98. I think that will work. |
Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 3394
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 12, 2002 - 11:32 pm: | |
Ed,
I hope your daughter doesn't taunt you too much with the "Macs are better than PCs" stuff. That would be awful. |
Edmay
Citizen
Username: Edmay
Post Number: 620
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 13, 2002 - 10:36 pm: | |
PROBLEM SOLVED
Ran Scan Disc - fixed one bad cluster - fixed one register - came back up. Glad I did not have to reinstall windows. Also glad I met enigmabomb - I will use enigmabomb in the future. Our next project is to back up my data!
FYI it was an independent help site not the Microsoft site that suggested scan disk after ruling out the keyboard and before re-installing windows. |
Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 3398
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 13, 2002 - 11:59 pm: | |
Glad to hear it! enigmabomb is a great local resource for computer help. i recommend him, as well. |
Edmay
Citizen
Username: Edmay
Post Number: 731
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, September 2, 2002 - 8:59 pm: | |
POSTSCRIPT
Enigmabomb installed a CD burner on my E drive and we backed up my entire "C" drive on a dozen CD's. Periodically I will back it up again. I feel good knowing that if I run into another problem, I can go back to 9/2/2 or any future backup date. But is wierd to think that my "disaster recovery" depends on keeping those 12 CD's in their individual "jewelry boxes" safe and sound. |
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