The system-provided Optical Mouse, wireless keyboard and round-disk "radio" whoosis for the mouse have suddenly stopped functioning. I've replaced batteries, pressed "connect" buttons, jiggled wires, etc. and it's all totally unresponsive. I borrowed another mouse (a Logitech optical) that I connected into the computer and it works fine--if I confine myself to only clicking. The Vaio keyboard though remains dead, which kills any hope of meaningful editing. However, other than the why of this, I'd like to know--can I simply plug in a standard wired keyboard into this computer so at least I can get moving again with it?

Thanks!!

I am using both a USB mouse and a USB keyboard with my Vaio laptop, so yes, they work just fine.

Thanks; that's good to know--can it be any generic keyboard or a Sony brand?

I have a Microsoft optical mouse and an AOpen keyboard ($5), so the answer is: generic is fine. When you connect them for the first time, XP will detect them, install the drive and you're good to go.

Great; XP trumps all. Thanks!