USB -> Serial Mouse Question

[EviLBoX]

I'm attempting to install Linux on my old Pentium 200 computer right now, but I can't get Linux to detect my mouse.

I have a Microsoft Optical Intellimouse with a USB connection. My old motherboard only has a serial mouse connection, so I'm having to use 2 adapters to get it to work.

USB -> PS2 -> Serial

Is there any reason why this wouldn't work? I noticed the optical light doesn't come on when I turn on the computer, so I don't know. I don't have an OS installed right now so I can't test it, I just know it doesn't work for the Linux install.

[Monaco]

Welcome to the forums, EviLBoX!

I think you may need to get a non-USB mouse.

As I understand it, the BIOS has routines that will let you easily run a USB keyboard under DOS or whatnot- but it does not have routines that do the same for USB mice. For that you need a driver, and you can't load that driver until you are in an OS. So, you'll need a Linux driver for your USB ports, and one for your mouse too.

The light normally does not come on until the system inits the USB ports, and then it goes off again until an OS takes control of it. That is how it is on my PC, anyway. (hmm- can a serial port supply the power an optical mouse needs? I dunno)

It sure looks like using those adaptors will work- I've used USB to PS/2 for a while, and I've used PS/2 to serial a lot- burt never combined them :) Still I think it will work. Try plugging them into an old, working Windows PC and see if they work there? :D

[garwain]

I don't think it'll work with 2 converters. What I'm thinking of doing is buying another optical mouse, and serial converter, and finding the wiring diagrams for the 2 devices, then splice directly I have heard of someone doing this before and getting it to work, but I've never seen it happen.

[eXtraktor]

The Epox 8K3A+ does have support for a USB mouse/keyboard in the bios. Look for something like it in yours. I dont know if the ASUS boards have that option though.

[EviLBoX]

Just to let you guys know, I found out both my Microsoft mouse and my roommates mouse aren't backwards compatable to a serial connection. I've got a real serial mouse now, that should work.