Thinkpad T410 - (refurb IBM) Error on boot: stuck key 4d

[zv]

I received a Thinkpad T410 (2522) off lease (used equipment) from IBM on Friday. When I start it, it gives 2 beeps and the error "Error 210 stuck key 4d" and prompts to press F1 to enter Setup.

My troubleshooting:
1. On checking they keys, I didn't find anything wrong. Took off the keyboard and same error after resetting it.
2. Going into the BIOS and saving the settings lets me boot and work as long as I don't do a complete shutdown. Restart does not give the error.
3. Upgraded the BIOS to 1.45 - same behaviour.
4. Reset BIOS to factory defaults - same behaviour.

Does that mean that the BIOS battery is the problem? Or could it be something else? Is there anything else that I missed to check?

I have until Thu to see if this can be fixed. Otherwise, it goes back to Flextronics.

[gazeddy]

looks to me like the keyboard is damaged and a key is electronically stuck

[zv]

looks to me like the keyboard is damaged and a key is electronically stuck

I was able to configure Win7 on it and install Office/Firefox/etc. Can use Word/Outlook without any issue.
Wouldn't that cause a problem when using the laptop?

[gazeddy]

id think so
unless the key that is stuck isnt a letter key ie esc

[RealBlackStuff]

Try your Arrow keys (lightly 'hammer' on them a few times).

[zv]

Try your Arrow keys (lightly 'hammer' on them a few times).

Actually, the right arrow key does behave abnormally. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't and sometimes it moves the cursor to the right as if it was stuck! But it does not happen all the time though.

Is this a keyboard only issue? Is it better to return for refund or get it repaired by Flextronics.

[rkawakami]

I think you answered your own question about the stuck key error. If upon booting, the system detects key codes being sent by the keyboard (when it is not supposed to be sending anything), then that leads to the stuck key error message. That the key only works sometimes means the other times it does not work properly. The problem should go away if you replace the keyboard. You can usually find them on eBay for $15-$20 used; $35 and up for new.

Your call whether or not it's easier/cheaper/safer to send the unit back. Shipping laptops around is not without some risk. You could try asking the seller if they are willing to swap only the keyboard with one they guarantee will work.

Also, you have a PM.