Legacy IPAC2 Programming Issue

[mr novice]

Hey everyone, I have an old Legacy IPAC2 (2003 photo attached) that was used in my old mame cabinet.  That PC died and I'm replacing it with a new PC and Launchbox.  When I plug in the IPAC via USB and open notepad and use buttons I see it type the keys that is mapped to (Not the default). I have the correct programing app but when I attempt to program it tells me it can't detect the IPAC and fails to program.  I'm not sure what options I have. I know the chip and board are working just seems to be a programming issue.  Are there any tips or tricks or something so I can see more details.  I've tried slowing the transfer down as well as increasing the time out and enabling the debugging option.  I'm wondering if there is an issue since it is Win11 and originally I think I used XP to program it.  And ideas would be greatly appreicated.

[Zebidee]

You're using a PS2 -> USB adapter right? Windows can have real problems seeing the older IPACs via USB. Sometimes I could get the IPAC recognised by opening device manager, finding the right USB device controller/driver and uninstalling it, then plugging the IPAC in again. Sometimes it took many many tries with a passive adapter (looks a bit like a thumb drive), but this seemed to work eventually, and once Windows had recognised the IPAC it seemed to stay recognised after restarting/rebooting. However, it has been many years since I've used old IPACs or done this.

A better solution might be to use an active PS2 -> USB adapter. Typically they are a split cable (Y shape) with 1xUSB at one end, and 2xPS2 (purple and green) on the other, with a box in the middle with some basic electronics inside to sort and transcode the signals. No separate power required (gets any power needed from USB port).

Here are some search hits from online retailers.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/223966915399?srsltid=AfmBOor7MTiSlqmnPlqLom4LJmcat0bR9h8CWRufd4y7Rdv35OFCR9u3
https://www.keyboardco.com/adapter/usb-active-adapter-ps2-keyboard-and-mouse-to-usb.asp
https://www.amazon.com.au/Perixx-PX-P2UA-19998-Adapter-Keyboard-Interface/dp/B008DFVQFW?th=1

[jeremymtc]

Have you plugged a keyboard into the passthrough connector? IIRC it must be plugged in for programming to work.