Odd problem with an old HP computer

Dustin Hart · Post by **Dustin Hart** » Sat May 27, 2006 12:51 pm

Hi guys, I was wondering if the great minds here had anything to help out with this. I was trying to setup this little computer so Trevor had his own computer till he gets his own in the coming months. When I booted the computer up for the first time I got an odd error message after the computer ran the BIOS saying ERROR:213 Unlock key switch. From what I understand on the little research I have done on this issue is that I have to unlock the system to continue but I have no idea how to do that, much less without a keyboard. Anyone have an idea?

Wint · Post by **Wint** » Sat May 27, 2006 12:58 pm

Howdy. The following Google result suggests your lack of a keyboard might be the problem, so plug one in. ;)

[PDF] DIGITAL PC 3100/5100 Service Maintenance ManualFile Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat
Unlock key switch. Check the keyboard connection. If the connection is. secure, the keyboard or keyboard controller might. have failed. ...
h18002.www1.hp.com/legacysupport/ digital/pdf/pbserman.pdf

Dustin Hart · Post by **Dustin Hart** » Sat May 27, 2006 3:21 pm

The keyboard is plugged in, the problem is I can't use it with that error.

Slayer · Post by **Slayer** » Sat May 27, 2006 3:35 pm

USB / PS/2 or that big lunker 7 pin one?

If its USB, that could be your problem, that the BIOS isn't setup to detect a USB keyboard. If its PS/2 make sure you dont have your keyboard in the Mouse port. if its the big lunker 7 pin, make sure you keyboard itself works, you can buy cheap converters to convert those plugs to PS/2 ports and then from PS/2 too USB if you wish, it just makes a long stick out the back of your PC.

Wint · Post by **Wint** » Sat May 27, 2006 4:08 pm

Hmm, I'm not sure what to suggest.
Does this old PC have a physical security lock on it?
Have you been to the HP support site?

Odd problem with an old HP computer

Odd problem with an old HP computer

Re: Odd problem with an old HP computer