How to Install a Keyboard on Windows XP

PS/2 Keyboard

1). Shut off the computer. The BIOS needs to verify the keyboard is present during the computer's initial POST (boot up).
2). Plug the keyboard into the back of the computer. Look on the back for two round ports for plugging in the mouse and the keyboard. If the ports are color-coded, the keyboard will plug into the purple port. If they are not coded, there will be an icon showing which connection is for the keyboard and which is for the mouse. The plug can only fit into the port one way. When plugging in the keyboard, match the plug with the port and push it in firmly but do not force it.
3). Turn on the computer.
4). Install the drivers. Some keyboards have special features, such as a built-in touchpad, that need to be installed. If your keyboard came with a CD, put it into the CD-ROM drive and follow the on-screen prompts to load the drivers onto your computer. This is typically a fast, simple process.

1). Read any instructions that came with the USB keyboard to verify that you don't need to follow any specific installation procedures.
2). Connect the keyboard to the USB port. The computer can be on or off when you install a USB keyboard. Windows XP will automatically detect the device and install the necessary drivers to make it work.
3). Install the drivers. Although XP often will install the drivers, if your keyboard came with a CD-ROM, you will need to load the drivers manually. The CD will have either updates for your version of Windows XP or specific drivers for features your keyboard possesses.