I have had a reasonable amount of experience with various Linux distros since 2003. But I haven't used/installed Linux in the last two/three years.
So I decided I'd install Debian Testing on a spare HDD as a dual boot with Windows 7 64bit.
I got the image for the 64bit net install, burned it to CD and started the installation.
The CD booted and with my keyboard I was able to navigate the menu and select the install options.
Then the first screen comes up for localisation and I am unable to select anything, the keyboard isn't working. I rebooted using the reset button as I couldn't press Ctrl-alt-delete.
Then selected graphical install. Same thing, no keyboard respones and no mouse response either.
I dug out an old USB keyboard and that works, enabling me to navigate the installation menus.
Yes I could go ahead and complete the install with the USB keyboard but what then? From what I've seen my wirelss keyboard wouldn't be working nor would my mouse.
I then downloaded and tried the 447MB installation CD. Same thing, everything OK till I select Install then no keyboard response.
I'm using a Logitech K340 keyboard and a Logitech Performance Mouse MX. They connect via a Unifying receiver and have worked without issues in Windows. I can enter and navigate the BIOS settings using this keyboard.
I've never encountered this with any previous Linux installs. I've tried live CD's of Fedora 16 and the latest Mint, as well as OpenSuSe and not experienced any keyboard mouse issues.
Is there a parameter I have to enter prior to the install kernel loading?
I've searched these forums and the internet but can't seem to find anything relevant, apart from people saying the unifying receivers/hardware should work with Linux.
Here's a copy of my hardware info:
System
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manufacturer Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
Model P55-UD4
Total amount of system memory 16.0 GB RAM
System type 64-bit operating system
Number of processor cores 4

Storage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total size of hard disk(s) 2329 GB
Disk partition (C 312 GB Free (466 GB Total)
Disk partition (D 768 GB Free (932 GB Total)
Disk partition (E 820 GB Free (932 GB Total)
Media drive (F CD/DVD
Media drive (G CD/DVD

Graphics
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Display adapter type ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series
Total available graphics memory 8955 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 1024 MB
Dedicated system memory 0 MB
Shared system memory 7931 MB
Display adapter driver version 8.930.0.0
Primary monitor resolution 1920x1080
DirectX version DirectX 10

Network
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Network Adapter Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller

I'd really prefer to use Debian, but may have to install another distro if this doesn't get resolved.
If it's just a case of going ahead with the install using the USB cabled keyboard then installing drivers, OK, but I'd like to know beforehand.
Thanks.

Do you get as far as the question about whether you want the big kernel or the one customized for your system? If so, you probably want to select the big one. I would go ahead and complete the install with the usb keyboard and get the driver for the wireless later. You actually may find that after you reboot into the new install that the keyboard will work.

1 members found this post helpful.

Hi
Thanks for the reply. I don't get past the first screen, localisation. But I'll dust off the solid old IBM keyboard again and complete the install, then see what's what.
If things go pear shaped I'll probably install Slackware.

This thread might be of some use to you:

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...-mouse-113665/

Thanks, the thread looks interesting. I'll read it tomorrow when I'm fresher. It's 20 past midnight here and I'm off to bed to sleep off another long day's Photoshop-ing.
I've now downloaded the Slackware DVD and may choose to go with that. I used Slackware for quite a while about 5 years ago and really liked it. I learned a lot, but now need a refresher.
Thanks again for your help, it's appreciated.

You may want to select "Advanced Options>>Expert Install" there are more options available there.

Hi

Thanks for that, I'll give it a try. I'll go through the install with a usb keyboard/mouse and see what happens after the first re-boot following install.

I'm sure it can be sorted.

I've also downloaded the firmware files from the Debian website and put them on a USB drive.

Thanks again