0211: Keyboard Error / Keyboard not functioning at boot time

[Nils]

Model: Thinkpad Z60M (2529-ETG)
OS: Ubuntu Linux 7.10
Error: 0211: Keyboard Error


PROBLEM
After undocking my Z60M it no longer recognised the internal keyboard and would (a) occasionally show a blank screen at startup. When there was no blank screen, the system (b) halted (at the very latest) after testing the network device (in extended boot up) with the error

ERROR
0211: Keyboard Error

The keyboard was unresponsive and the only way to escape from the error message was by switching the system off. Connecting external devices (keyboards) did not alleviate the problem. As the keyboard was unresponsive, any attempt to resolve the issue in CMOS/BIOS was not an option. An extensive google search for solutions yielded similar but not identical problems with solutions ranging from replacing the internal keyboard to the not very helpful "press F11" at boot time.

DIAGNOSTICS
Follow the instructions on the IBM website for the removal of the keyboard in terms of *removing the screws only*. Always remove the battery and make sure you're grounded before fiddling. You should remove five (5) screws on the back of your thinkpad. Do not actually disassemble the notebook, just remove the screws. Replace the battery and turn your system on and see if it works. If it does not, this fix is not for you.

SOLUTION
If it works, turn it off again and remove the battery. Re-insert the four (4) screws which are in a line towards the front of the case. Replace the battery and turn your system on. If it works The keyboard was short circuited by the single screw in its middle which holds it in place. Your system will operate fine without that one screw as the keyboard is being held in by the wrist-rest's screws as well. [/quote]