Can a USB Y-Cable Solve My Problem?

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SUMMARY

A USB Y-cable can be utilized to connect a USB keyboard to two different PCs without the need for constant unplugging. The user is currently facing issues with a KVM switch that does not support the keyboard on an older PC running Windows NT 4.0, which only has PS/2 ports. The keyboard is connected via a USB-to-PS/2 converter, but the KVM leads to a "Keyboard error" during the hardware check. The discussion confirms the existence of a USB Y-cable but does not guarantee its functionality for keyboards.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of USB and PS/2 connectivity
  • Familiarity with KVM switches and their limitations
  • Knowledge of Windows NT 4.0 system requirements
  • Experience with USB-to-PS/2 converters
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the compatibility of USB Y-cables with keyboards
  • Explore alternative KVM switches that support USB keyboards
  • Investigate USB-to-PS/2 converter specifications and limitations
  • Learn about troubleshooting keyboard errors in Windows NT 4.0
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for IT professionals, hardware enthusiasts, and anyone dealing with legacy systems and peripheral connectivity issues.

EnumaElish
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Is there such a thing as a USB Y-cable? I have a USB keyboard that I'd like to use for 2 alternate PCs without plugging it out of one and into the other whenever I switch.

I have a KVM switch but the keyboard will not function on one of the PCs through the KVM switch. It needs a direct plugin to the older PC which is running WinNT4, has only PS/2 ports and no USB. I am using a USB-to-PS/2 convertor to plug the keyboard into that old PC; but it has to be a direct plugin that goes around the KVM. (KVM leads to a "Keyboard error" during Hardware check before WinNT is loaded.)

Right now the KVM is being used just for video and audio peripherals.

Thanks in advance for any useful ideas.
 
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