Dell Optiplex 390 SFF: Keyboard disappears during setup

Factual Questions
1

So I have two identical Dell Optliplex 390 small form factor computers I’m attempting to set up Windows 10 on. Both have the same issues- the keyboard works fine through the first part of the setup. Then Windows refuses to recognize the keyboard on the “Create or Enter your Microsoft Account” screen. There’s no option to bypass the screen and with the keyboards no longer working I can’t enter anything. Thinking it might be a bug with windows and the Dell USB controllers I bought a USB 3.0 expansion card. The problem is that this card apparently requires drivers to be installed to work, which happens at some point after you enter your Microsoft account.

Basically all I want are some cheap computer that have HDMI ports for streaming internet video now that my Asus Chromeboxes are at end of support (and I always had problems with because they were underpowered and nonstandard so was constantly having issues with Netflix and Hulu), but this project is turning into a major headache.

2

I don’t know if it already works at that time of the installation, but try displaying the onscreen keyboard with one of these methods. This way you can complete the installation with your mouse. After the installation is completed, either the keyboard will work again or if not, you can troubleshoot the issue, for instance search for new keyboard drivers as first step.

ETA: I just took a further look at my link and it seems like for all methods for starting the onscreen keyboard, you need a keyboard shortcut of some kind. But I think there must be some way to bring up easy access features during installation for handicapped people. Look for items on the installation screen.

3

Try different USB ports. Start with the lower left one.

Check the USB port settings in the BIOS setup. Look for anything that might suggest backwards compatibility for certain ones.

4

Obvious things to try are: try a different USB port on the computer, try disconnecting and re-connecting the keyboard after it stops responding, try a different brand & model keyboard, connect keyboard through a USB hub (or remove the hub if you are using one now).

5

I looked at the manual for this computer earlier. The USB ports on the back are 3.0 while the ones on the front are 2.0. I think the front ports may work better during the setup phase.

6

I’d like to know how this works out.

7

I looked up the model number the OP gave. It says 2.0 with 3.0 as an optional card. Hence why the OP bought such a card.