HOW TO: Determine if it Is Possible to Start Windows 2000 with the Keyboard Unattached

This step-by-step article describes the issues that are related to starting a Windows 2000-based computer without an attached keyboard. Note that this is not possible on all computers because of specific firmware restrictions in the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS).

Firmware Considerations

To start Windows 2000 with the keyboard unattached you must first make sure that your BIOS does not require a boot password. View the documentation that is included with your computer for instructions about how to remove the BIOS boot password. Your BIOS must also support starting your computer with no keyboard attached. If it does not support this feature, you receive a keyboard error message during the power-on self test (POST), and your computer will not start. If this occurs, you cannot start your computer without an attached keyboard.

Windows 2000 Boot Sequence Considerations

Although it is not required, you may want to log on to a user account after you start your computer. If you want to do this without a keyboard attached, you must turn on the Automatic Logon feature.

WARNING: The Windows 2000 Automatic Logon feature starts the Windows 2000 operating system without requiring user credentials. Remember that with the Automatic Logon feature turned on, the computer starts by using only the specified "default" identity. In many environments, this can create security problems. There is also a risk that timing conflicts can occur. For example, if you have several network protocols loaded, automatic logon may make Windows 2000 try to connect to network resources before the network connections are completely initialized.

Turn on the Automatic Logon Feature in Windows 2000

For additional information about how to turn on the Automatic Logon feature for a Windows 2000 Professional-based computer that is not joined to a domain, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: For additional information about how to turn on the Automatic Logon feature for Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Advanced Server, or a Windows 2000 Professional-based computer that is joined to a domain, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: NOTE: In a typical hardware configuration (keyboard attached), you can bypass the automatic logon process and log on as a different user by holding down the SHIFT key after you log off or after you restart Windows 2000. This is not an option with the keyboard unattached.