Littlebill writes
โAgain trailer, i asked for you not to comment on my posts. like usual your opinion is wrong.
i am more then aware of how KVM's work. i use 1600 dollar Remote ip based KVM's at work.
WHAT THE HECK DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH THE OP?
he has 2 computers. how hard is it to just send the kvm to the active screen on boot up( generally the one he will be using anyway at the moment). then once its booted into windows. he can do whatever his heart fancy's
your comments are like saying he needs a semi truck to pull a pop up, when all he need is a ford ranger. significant difference between 2 computers and hundredsโI forgot that you donโt like me since I tend to point out misleading or incorrect info and you feel that you smarter than I.
Once again you are incredibly incorrect. Get over it.
The OP stated that the manual for the KVM they bought states
โThe switch installation instructions say I have to make BIOS changes "for PC users."
"1. In STANDARD CMOS, set HALT ON ERROR to ALL BUT KEYBOARD."
"2. in PNP and PCI SETUP, set PNP OS INSTALLED to YES and set USB IRQ to ENABLED."
(I broke the OP into a more legible form by separating the sentences)
First and foremost GOOD QUALITY KVMs DO NOT โ NEEDโ the above changes to function correctly,
PERIOD.
The KVM the OP bought REQUIRES the Halt on keyboard error to be DISABLED.
The ONLY reason as to why that KVM states that "need" is because it doesn't EMULATE a keyboard on ALL ports.
This is in itself can be a MAJOR problem due to the fact that not ALL PC makers INCLUDE this as an option in the BIOS.
Not to mention the choices listed in point #2 may not even be in the BIOS (makers like Dell, HP, Compaq and so on have CUSTOM BIOSs which often does not include many user adjustable options like these).. And YES, I HAVE worked with MANY PCs that do not have any way to disable the Halt on keyboard error in the BIOS.
If the OP cannot disable the Halt on keyboard error, then the PC WILL HALT during the POST when the KVM is NOT set to the booting PC. In fact the OP may not be even able to get into the BIOS using the KVM after the POST Halt happens and would have to power down the PC and try again WITH the KVM SET to the booting PC..
Just one example of this problem can be found in the following review of a $40 KVM.
HEREReview..
โIt works great -- but there's one problem
This product works fine. Whether the switching is done manually (buttons on the device itself), or using the keyboard combination, the transfer is smooth and fast.
(Note: I haven't tried the microphone/speaker switching features.)
There is a problem when using this switcher, and it's one that never occurred to me before I used it. Your keyboard doesn't work unless the KVM switch drivers are loaded. Consequently, you can't start the CMOS setup service at power-up for example. Also you can't enter Windows "safe mode", because they both require keyboard input before Windows begins to load.
My workaround is to keep an old keyboard on the floor nearby that connects to the primary computer through the traditional keyboard connector instead of USB. This solves the problem, but having a keyboard on the floor adds to a cluttered look and is, frankly, inelegant.โ"Little" I would recommend you
READ AND REREAD the section above which is in black AND IN BOLD several times BEFORE going off on me again..
Example of a BETTER $100 KVM..
HEREFrom the Belkin manual
HEREโPowering Up the Systems
The KVM Switch must be powered up before the computers.
Once all cables have been connected, power up the CPUs that are attached to the KVM Switch. All computers can be powered on simultaneously. The KVM Switch emulates a mouse and keyboard on each port and allows your
computer to boot normally.Your KVM Switch should now be ready for use. You can select which computer to operate by either the direct-access port selectors located on the front panel of the KVM Switch or through keyboard hot-key commands. Note that it will take 1โ2 seconds for the video to display after switching. This is due to the refresh of the video signal. There is also re-synchronization of the mouse and keyboard signal that takes place. This is normal operation and ensures that proper synchronization is established.โโLittleโ, I suggest you once again read AND REREAD the section above that is in black AND in BOLD before going off on me again...
I also challenge you to find ANY text in the Belkin manual above that REQUIRES adjustments to the BIOS..
It simply does not need them since the BELKIN KVM EMULATES (simulates) a keyboard even when the PC is not selected. The Belkin KVM does not require the user to โwaitโ for Windows to โdiscoverโ the keyboard each and every time you switch (Windows discovery can often take up to a minute or two).. Additionally the PCs never lose the keyboard which causes the OS to give audio tone each time the KVM is switched which the user would have to disable the USB alert or learn to ignore it.
As far as the OP โchangingโ the BIOS settings which their KVM requires, no harm will happen to the PC but it simply is not a good solution and definitely NOT โfool proofโ, plug and play, nor desirable..
YES, the Belkin I listed DOES cost more than a cheap KVM but it is not like as YOU say โyour comments are like saying he needs a semi truck to pull a pop up, when all he need is a ford ranger.โ
A GOOD QUALITY KVM is not like using a semi to pull a popup..
No, a GOOD QUALITY KVM IS A NECESSITY to have, especially if you value your sanity.
I have personally messed around with cheapo KVMs and they always end up being a hassle, there is NO SUBSTITUTE for a KVM which simulates the keyboard on ALL ports. Switching is seamless (2 seconds or less or about the time it takes you to remove your finger from the KVM button), no waiting for Windows to discover and install the USB keyboard and mouse each time you switch.. PRICELESS.
I will once again state that the OP NEEDS to send the cheap KVM back and get a better quality KVM and avoid the hassles. In the long run the OP WILL be happier by having INSTANT switching and no waiting for the OS to find itโs mind.
What the OP wants is a KVM which EMULATES a keyboard and mouse on ALL ports, the one the OP has DOES NOT.
