Microsoft KB Archive/310496

= Universal Serial Bus Devices Do Not Work in Safe Mode =

Article ID: 310496

Article Last Modified on 8/8/2006

-

APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional
 * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

-



This article was previously published under Q310496



If this article does not describe your hardware-related issue, please see the following Microsoft Web site to view more articles about hardware:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/w98?sid=460



SYMPTOMS
After you attempt to start your computer in Safe mode by pressing the F8 key at the Microsoft Windows XP boot menu screen, and then selecting one of the Safe mode options, your computer keyboard or mouse may not respond when you try to use them.



CAUSE
The behavior can occur if you are using a Universal Serial Bus (USB) keyboard or mouse and your computer basic input/output system (BIOS) does not support USB devices. Windows XP does not support the use of a USB keyboard or mouse in Safe mode unless the computer BIOS supports these devices.



RESOLUTION
To work around this behavior, use a standard keyboard or mouse instead of a USB keyboard or mouse.



STATUS
This behavior is by design.



MORE INFORMATION
In the case of USB input devices, in order for them to function in Safe mode, the system must have a BIOS with USB support for input devices and USB legacy mode must be enabled.

NOTE: All other USB devices are not loaded in Safe mode, unless the manufacturer requires it and provides BIOS support for that USB device in addition to input devices.

Additional query words: HWUSB HWMOUSE 98

Keywords: kberrmsg kbhardware kbprb KB310496

-

[mailto:TECHNET@MICROSOFT.COM Send feedback to Microsoft]

© Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.