VMware workstation 16 Pro - No keyboard on a converted vm

[Gaetan123]

Hello. 

I have VMware workstation 16 Pro and I have converted my Lenovo laptop into a VM using converter but I'm unable to use the keyboard to log into the guest OS.

The new host is also a Lenovo but lower model. I cannot use the onscreen keyboard, the mouse works, a USB keyboard doesn't work and the option to install VMtools is greyed out. Any suggestions ?

Thks
Gaetan

[scott28tt]

I believe the common suggestion in cases like this is to remove the custom keyboard drivers on the source system before you convert it.

[wila]

Hi,

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@scott28tt wrote:

I believe the common suggestion in cases like this is to remove the custom keyboard drivers on the source system before you convert it.

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Close.. it is almost always the Synaptic software (& their drivers) that are installed at the original system that prevent the VMware keyboard from working in the P2V-ed VM.
Synaptic is software for the touchpad.

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Wil

[Gaetan123]

So unless I P2V the laptop again, you're saying there's no way I can use the keyboard ?

[wila]

Hi,

If your mouse is functioning then you can use the onscreen keyboard to uninstall Synaptic.

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Wil

[Gaetan123]

The mouse is working but I don't have the onscreen keyboard at the login prompt. 

I can start onscreen keyboard from the host but it doesn't input anything in the guest. Now I haven't tried to start the onscreen keyboard before starting the VM

[bluefirestorm · Accepted solution]

Do you see the "Ease of access" button the login screen? It should be the one next to the power button.

You can click on it and show the on-screen keyboard that way. I attached a screenshot.

[wila]

Hi,

It should be available at the login screen (would be poor character of MS to keep their accessibility features away from the login).

It's the icon that looks like a clock, but is not.
It's also in BlueFirestorm's screenshot.

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Wil

[Gaetan123]

Indeed. Got it sorted removing SynTP from the registry.

Thanks all