USB keyboard won't activate at boot

[HalfPastJohn]

My Windows 7 hangs at "Starting Windows"

MBR is corrupt and I want to save some data before reformatting but my keyboard won't allow me to boot into Hirens

anyway around this or do i need to get a ps/2 keyboard?

 

[MindoverMaster]

Change Boot order in BIOS. Unless you can't get into BIOS?

 

[HalfPastJohn]

Change Boot order in BIOS. Unless you can't get into BIOS?

yeah that's the whole point

the keyboard doesn't turn on until the windows splash screen

 

[MindoverMaster]

Try a different keyboard or USB port. Your system BIOS has a simple driver for it, USB, ps/2 or wireless.

 

[carnageX]

You would need to enable USB keyboard function in BIOS. But if you can't get into BIOS with your USB keyboard then yes, you'll need to find a PS/2 keyboard and use that.