Universal Serial Bus Devices Do Not Work in Safe Mode (195241)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 95

This article was previously published under Q195241
If this article does not describe your hardware-related issue, please see the following Microsoft Web site to view more articles about hardware:

SYMPTOMS

After you attempt to start your computer in safe mode by holding down the CTRL key, or by using the System Configuration utility to enable the Startup menu, your computer may not respond to any keyboard commands, or you may receive the following error message:
Windows Mouse Support

Windows did not detect a mouse attached to a computer. You can safely attach a serial mouse now.

To attach a mouse to a PS/2 mouse port, you must first turn the computer off.

CAUSE

The behavior can occur if you are using a Universal Serial Bus (USB) keyboard or mouse and your system basic input/output system (BIOS) does not support USB devices. Windows 98 and Windows 95 do not support the use of a USB keyboard or mouse in Safe mode or in Real 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.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/8/2006
Keywords:kberrmsg kbHardware kbprb KB195241