Inspiron 5160 keyboard/mouse disconnects reconnects

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Hi,

My partners Inspiron 5160 has USB ports only.
I lent her my PS/2 'Trust' brand keyboard which has a wireless mouse.
The keyboard acts as the receiver and has both green and purple PS/2
connectors on it (like this one here)
http://www.gemsoft-pcs.co.uk/shop/ [...] -280ks.jpg

We use a PS/2 - USB cable converter *like* this one so that the two PS/2
plugs are turned into one USB plug:
http://www.lightedge.co.za/update/ [...] -30010.gif

However every day, at least once, Windows XP makes the 'ding' sound for
a device being detached (like removing a USB key - in this case though
its for the keyboard), the keyboard/mouse are lifeless - then about 30
seconds later it automatically reconnects.

If you jiggle the connector it can also make it reconnect.

We've tried putting it in an external powered USB hub instead of direct
into the back of the laptop but no luck.

Any ideas - should we just get a USB keyboard and mouse and get rid of
the PS/2-USB connector thing with the PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo???