USB keyboard not always working

At home I have a D link USB hub that my mouse, printer, keyboard, USB hard drive etc.. is plugged in to.

Sometimes when i get home and plug my macbook in to it the keyboard will not work. this seems odd as the mouse and all the other things work.

Any help please?

I have the same problem from time to time. I find that simply unplugging and replugging the USB keyboard and/or mouse resolves the issue. I *think* that this is caused by an overloaded USB hub in my case. Is there any chance that this could be your case as well?

I have just gone out and purchased a new powered Belkin USB hub and so far, the problem has gone away. I have only had the hub for two days now however, so it is too early to say for sure.

Does the hub have an optional power adapter? If so, do you use it? Sometimes non-powered USB hubs can be flakey. If you use the power brick with it, or purchase one that does come with a power adapter, you'll find that things are much more stable.

it is a 7 port Mains powered D-link hub with 4/7 ports in use

I have that exact USB hub by D-Link, and have had very good luck with it when connected to my iMac. It was less predictable when I had it connected to my PC. I've also got a Belkin powered USB hub that my kids use with their PC, and that has also been hit-or-miss.

My advice, particularly for input devices, is to attach them directly to the computer USB port, leaving other less critical devices for connection via the hub.

Rule One is plug keyboards directly into your computer and NOT to a hub, powered or otherwise. Then plug the mouse into the keyboard.

harryb2448 said:

Rule One is plug keyboards directly into your computer and NOT to a hub, powered or otherwise. Then plug the mouse into the keyboard.

Click to expand...

Where can I read the rest of the rules? ;D

As Mr Deming's quote says you gotta know the right question!