Dell External Keyboard -- will it work with a Thinkpad?

Greetings!

I have a Z61, and I'd like to use an external keyboard. I'm running Vista Home Premium.

I have a spare Dell keyboard for my laptop (Model RT7D00). Does anyone know if I can get it to work with my Thinkpad?

The keyboard has a PS/2 connecter, so I got an adapter and connected it to a USB port. Nothing happened.

I tried Add Hardware, from the Control Panel, but the computer didn't find it.

I looked at the list of Common Hardware Types, but I don't recognize any as being keyboard types (this is likely just ignorance on my part).

I've looked for drivers, but can't seem to find one specifically for this keyboard -- they always seem to be tied to Dell's computer systems (e.g., Optiplex).

Has anyone been through this and can give me a clue what to do?

thanks,
Marianne

p.s. I also posted this to Lenovo's community forum, but you guys are so good at this stuff that I figure I'll get more help here. mb

 

Are you positive that the keyboard works with other computers? There isn't any issue with differing brands. Dell keyboard should work fine with any computer.

I would test the Dell keyboard with usb adapter on another computer to see if there's an issue with the computer.

Have you tried plugging into multiple usb ports on your laptop?

Have you tried a different external keyboard with your laptop?

Do other USB devices work with your laptop?

 

Elfroggo asked: Are you positive that the keyboard works with other computers? I got the certainly working keyboard from my desktop (identical to the first one), and plugged it into the USB port. Still nothing happening.

I would test the Dell keyboard with usb adapter on another computer to see if there's an issue with the computer. I don't have another laptop to try to plug the USB adapter into . . . could I (should I?) test it with my old Dell Optiplex desktop?

Have you tried plugging into multiple usb ports on your laptop? Just one so far, but this one works with my external hard drive.

Have you tried a different external keyboard with your laptop?
Haven't tried another external keyboard -- I was hoping to not have to buy one.

Do other USB devices work with your laptop? Yes, my usb mouse, and external hard drive

 

Sometimes the PS/2 to USB adapters don't always work that great.

 

Sorry for all the questions I asked It's also definitely a possibility that the adapter will not work as stated above and someone mentioned that on the lenovo forums post you made.

 

Thanks for your help -- I've got it working!

I got a USB Port Replicator, plugged it into the laptop and the keyboard, and voila! it works.

The computer had no trouble finding the drivers for the port replicator, and apparently the keyboard, too. I don't know why it couldn't find it with just the little adapter, but it works now.

Except that sometimes I'm typing and it stops working briefly . . . I don't know why it's doing that! But it works most of the time, so I'm happy.