Boot without a keyboard

[CntrlAltDel]

Hi.. I have an old HP Desktop computer that I'd like to use as a network adapter for another system. I'm using the HP Compaq Evo D500 small form factor PC. It works fine when I connect the keyboard before booting but the moment I turn the PC on without the keyboard then it gives me an error before it gets to the Windows XP (x86/32 bit Home Edition Service Pack 3) loading screen which prevents me from getting into the operating system. I'd like to know if there is any way I can somehow disable the need for a keyboard on booting because everything that happens after the Windows is loaded is automatic, I do not need any peripheral device for the PC to connect to the internet nor do I need a monitor.

Thanks for your time.

[erico]

if you want to run it as a headless system you will need to boot it up using a USB keyboard.

Remove the keyboard after you have signed into Windows and done whatever you need to do in the operating system.

[Little-Neddy]

(Most/all) Compaq HP Business Systems PCs from the DeskPro EN series (BX chipset) have a Server mode; a keyboard is not needed to boot in server mode; no error is given.

The option to select Server mode is in the BIOS but is only visible when a password has been set.

1/  Power on and enter the BIOS

2/  Set a password

3/  Under Security Optios an extra option will appear;  set Server Mode

4/  Save settings and exit the BIOS

5/  Enter BIOS again

6/ Set the password back to nothing (if you don't want one)

7/  Save settings and boot

All done