Specs:
PC, running Windows XP
PS2 keyboard & mouse

Initial problem:
My keyboard stopped working. The lights came on, but no keyboard response. I tried a different keyboard I know is working, same response. Plugged my keyboard into a different machine, worked.

Solutions:
I opened up the case, cleared out the family of dust bunnies, closed the case and rebooted. DOS booted, but system hung and no Windows boot. Shut down computer manually. Waited several seconds, then turned it back on. Same thing. After three tries, Windows booted, but no keyboard.

Went to bed.

Next day, same scenario - Windows booted after several power off/on's, but no keyboard (lights are on when computer is off, but when computer is on, lights appear sporadically in random combination).

Then, miraculously, during one boot, the keyboard worked! Found solution to reset CMOS. Did that, but keyboard stopped working, so I couldn't press F1 to complete the boot. Several power off/on's later, the keyboard worked, pressed F1, everything worked fine, left computer on for several days. Yea!

Friend suggested removing battery and reattempting reboot. Did that, same sporadic keyboard problems. Finally got it to work again, and left computer on.

Had to go on vacation. Husband insisted I shut down computer. Returned after a week, computer welcomed me home with a successful boot and keyboard working properly. Forgot about problem, shut down computer (woops), remembered problem, powered on, everything worked fine.

Figured problem fixed. Shut down computer.

Turned computer on this morning, no keyboard. Reset CMOS, keyboard not working again, can't press F1, yadda, yadda.

I should be replacing that battery, no? I'll try to get one today, but I'm posting here in case there's something more severe going on.

Your thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

It would not hurt to replace the battery - since they are so cheap. Make sure you do not touch the new battery with your fingers - skin oils attract dust and promote corrosion.

What kind of keyboards were you using? USB, or PS/2? Since problems with USB are common, I would try a PS/2.

ps2 keyboard. Thanks for the advice on the battery. I'll try to get one today.

I got a new battery and a usb keyboard. Everything works fine now. Apparently the dust bunnies may have caused a problem with motherboard's ability to use the ps/2 keyboard input.

Thanks for your help!

I don't know that dust would cause such problems with your keyboard. The port can get dirty, but generally inserting and removing the plug a few times clears that. More likey you have driver issue. But, if your USB works fine, and everything else does too, then I don't think it will be an issue.

Do stay on top of keeping the system clean to prevent heat problems. Also, you might want to make sure your system is clean of malware too by doing a complete scan for viruses and spyware, etc.