Hey all, n00b here.

I'll run down my specs and then introduce you to my problem.
Abit AT7 Max motherboard
Athlon XP 2100+
512mb Corsair XMS PC3000
Abit Geforce4 Ti4200 64mb VIVO
16x Liteon DVD
48x12x48 Liteon CDRW
2x 120gb Western Digital 120gb Special Edition HDDs (8mb cache)

Well, there's the specs, now here's the problem. I'm trying to install Mandrake Linux 9.0 (my first time using Linux). The install works perfectly, up to the point where it asks for a root password and usernames for user accounts. That's when I realize that my USB keyboard isn't recognized during the install process. I can't type in a root password, and I can't type in usernames or passwords.
At this point, I'm not to worried, as it lets me skip this process if I want to. The rest of the install goes as smooth as butter. But once it takes me to the login screen, that's when I can type in anything I want (keyboard works great at this point), but because I have no user accounts, I can't get into the OS.

Does anybody know any way to get around this? I can't plug a PS/2 keyboard in, as my motherboard is legacy free. I've been asking my coworkers if anybody has a PCI card which adds a keyboard plug, but to no avail. I wonder if they even make one.

At the boot prompt:

Linux single

That should enter you in at single user mode with just a root shell and no passwording. Change the root passwd with:

passwd

Then,

init 5

To take it up to the graphical login.

Luck,

Finegan

Thanks, finegan!

I also was told on another forum (www.hardforums.com) that I should be able to try logging on with the username root. If I choose the black box interface, I should be able to right click and add users. Is this correct? The reason that it looks like this should work is because I was unable to give a password for the root account.

Thank you so much.

Did you get it running man?

I have been looking for answer, as you see same SPECS

ASAP.......