How to Change PS2 to USB

At one time, almost all keyboards and mice were connected to PCs via six-pin PS/2 ports. Since the introduction of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) in the 1990s, the PS/2 connection technology has become all but obsolete. Most modern laptop computer motherboards and some desktop motherboards no longer even include a PS/2 connector, allowing keyboards and mice to connect only by USB. Fortunately, adapters are available to allow you to connect PS/2 peripherals to USB ports.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• USB-to-PS/2 adapter
• Keyboard drivers, if necessary

1. Purchase a USB-to-PS/2 adapter. This inexpensive component is available from many online retailers and computer supply stores. See an example in Resources.

2. Turn off your computer.

3. Insert the USB connector of the adapter into an available USB port on your computer.

4. Insert the PS/2 keyboard or mouse connector into the PS2 socket of the adapter. Note that PS/2 connections are often color-coded: purple for keyboards, green for mice.

5. Turn the computer on. When the operating system boots up, log in to a user account with administrator privileges.

6. Insert a CD with keyboard drivers in the CD/DVD drive, or download the proper drivers from the Internet, if necessary. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the proper drivers for your keyboard.

References

• "Building the Perfect PC, Second Edition," Robert Thompson and Barbara Fritchman Thompson, December 2006.

Resources

• USB to PS2 Adapter