Why doesn't Windows 7 System Restore find my USB Keyboard and Mouse?

When you find the model of your computer look for the USB 3 drivers download them

Boot the computer hit F6 to install additional drivers.

You have the keyboard during the BIOS of the computer correct you can get into the setup right?

If so F6 should help

Trgassijr... Yes, I do have keyboard support during BIOS.  Sorry to be such a fool, but o/s support isn't my "regular gig."  I've only ever installed drivers on a machine that was running correctly and had complete booted.

Where should I put the the driver installations files in order for F6 to find them?  Anywhere on c? A separate CD?

Thanks so much.  Your suggestion sounds promising.

On a CD or USB drive will work

tomHamill --
"when I boot from CD using either the System Restore or the Windows Installation disk, the USB keyboard and mouse stop functioning and I'm unable to proceed."

Does that mean you have run System Restore?  System Restore is usually not a way to boot. Why are you not booting the normal way?

I understand the present  Keyboard and Mouse are not working?  If so, can you detach the non-functioning  Keyboard and Mouse  and attach another Keyboard and Mouse before boot?

jcimarron...  Sorry, you're right that wasn't very clear.

Basically I've used System Restore on the System Properties control panel to restore the computer to various restore points - but still have odd behavior that I need to resolve.  (e.g. we can't open a browser - any browser, the internet settings are using a proxy server that I don't recognize...)

So what I'm trying to do now is use the System Restore disk that came with the computer to reset everything to factory settings.  If I still have issues then (and I probably will...) I'll wipe the disk and reinstall windows.  In either case, I need the computer to recognize the USB devices - keyboard and mouse at least.

As rindi noted above, most systems have a mix of USB3 and USB2 ports.   Be sure you've plugged the keyboard into one of the USB2 ports.

If your system doesn't have any USB2 ports (unlikely, but possible); try moving the keyboard to different ports ... some systems will recognize them better on specific ports.

tomHamill--
" (e.g. we can't open a browser - any browser, the internet settings are using a proxy server that I don't recognize...)"
What does that have to do with the Keyboard and Mouse not working?  Did you try a substitute Keyboard and Mouse?  What about a Keyboard and Mouse that connect using a PS/2 port?

If you are able to use any Keyboard and Mouse consider a Repair Install.  http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

It should not affect your personal data or installed programs and therefore easier to recover from compared to using the HP Recovery Disk.  However it is always a good idea to back up first.

None of that has anything to do with they keyboard and mouse not working, jc.  

The keyboard and mouse not working has has to do with my being unable to use the windows installer to restore Windows and hopefully solve the networking/browser problems.  I like your repair install suggestion and will try it if I get a keyboard and mouse running.

(PS... yes using a PS/2 port was my first thought as well.  Unfortunately this box doesn't have them.)

tomHamill--
Have you tried using another Keyboard and Mouse?  
Have you tried other ports?  Do not worry about USB2 or 3.
Does the existing Keyboard and Mouse work at all?

Hi,

Windows setup (installer as you call it) supports USB. This means USB sticks, keyboards and mice. I know because I built machines from USB sticks. Also some hardware no longer has PS/2 anything and has to be able to run setup and "see" USB keyboards.

If you can see the mouse in the BIOS is that a UEFI BIOS? Strictly speaking UEFI BIOS is a total contradiction: UEFI replaced BIOS, a bit like VHS replaced betamax, but I digress...

I won't repeat what other guys have said: just wanted to clarify it's not the OS. And you certainly don't need drivers. It sounds like hardware gremlins. USB 3 ports are blue or red if that helps!

Mike

Yep, finding the two USB2 ports in a bank of six ports was the right way to go.  Mouse and Keyboard plugged into the USB2s and everything worked perfectly after that.

But seriously, folks.  2 Ports are blue and 3 Ports are black??  Do you have any idea how difficult it is to distinguish those two colors when you're crawling around under a desk?  Grrrrr

You said you were using an "HP Desktop". What is a "Desktop" doing on the "DeskBottom"? ;)

Everyone's a wise a**.  LOL