Specific Problems Address by Web Site Office Staff

I have an old 386 computer that is not recognizing the keyboard when you turn it on. It displays the message keyboard error F1 to continue. The computer does not recognize the F1 from the keyboard and will not allow me to continue. This model has one of those fancy key locks, but even making sure it is unlocked proved unsuccessful.

The problem could be one of three things. First, try unplugging your keyboard a couple of times. Sometimes the contacts get a little dirty and just doing that will clear the problem. (Then do a "cold boot" - turn off the computer, wait 45 seconds and then turn it back on.)

If that doesn't work, try another keyboard. You can buy new ones for about $25. Borrow one first to see if that is the problem before you buy one. If that doesn't fix it, then your motherboard has probably gone bad.

You could probably pick up a 386 motherboard for another $20. Just make sure it is compatible with all the rest of your hardware. If you haven't changed out a motherboard before, take it to a computer repair shop. Hope that helps. Good luck!