I had the same problem, the ps2 keyboard would not respond and the computer hung at the bios splash screen. I removed my wireless usb mouse and rebooted. I heard some clicking while pressing the DEL key and after several Del key presses I was able to get into the bios setup. Pressing the F12 key several times brought up the Boot menu. I don't think I had to press the keys so often, the computer was just slow to respond. I made some changes to the bios and tried rebooting with the usb mouse but the system froze again. Removing the mouse alone didn't help I had to reboot with the mouse removed, which allows Windows to boot normally. This is such a common problem you'd think that Acer would address it.
Prospector
January 2010
I had the same problem where it shows the Acer boot screen delete F12 which freezes. Since the keyboard is not booted it will not work or allow user to access BIOs. I turned the computer off and I opened my computer case didn't touch any thing. Since I do not know nothing about the inner working of a computer just checking if something was loose. Nothing seemed loose both fans were working when I powered it up still would not boot. Inside is a little dusty but mine is 2 years old I vacuum it about once every 3 months so it was not that plugged with dust. My last computer fried since I never cleaned it and fans did not work so that is why I kept this one cleaner. I turned it off and put case back on and removed all the USB cords (camera, printer, mp3 charging cables) I had plugged into the usb ports. I also took out my modem cable and audio cables. I put the original mouse and keyboard cables into their ports. I turned it on and this time it worked. I am backing up all my files now. I think the problem is with the USB ports accessory ports. I would make sure nothing is plugged into them. I just hooked up all original equipment to it. Not sure why this works but it did. Hope this helps.
Luthor
February 2009
I had the same problem as above. I tried disconnecting everything one by one till I got the the front panel connector (2 USB and Audio sockets at the front). The machine booted with it disconnected. I reconnected and tried again, and it worked. Still working as we speak. Dunno if this is the ultimate solution but give it a go!!
Tupoar
January 2009
Try a new keyboard. You should be able to go to BIOS settings (esc/del) or select boot device (F12)
Reset the motherboard to default - check your manual for this. That will put the machine in factory default, negating any changes since made. Usually a last resort when tweaking (read: overclocking) machines.
The F12 leads me to believe your HD has gone bad; try booting from the original OS (windows?) CD and do a chkdsk and attempt repair.
good luck,
Bob Smith
January 2009
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