600X 8611 error - want access BIOS to disable trackpoint

[wb0gaz]

Trackpoint on my 600X 2645-9FU just failed with 8611 error. External PS2 mouse still works. Trackpoint left-right direction encoder is failed (no or erratic movement); up-down encoder is fine.

On start-up, I would like to access BIOS configuration (hold F1 during boot) to see if trackpoint can be disabled (windows 2000 device manager driver control does not support disabling the device). Instead of getting to the BIOS configuration screens, I get 8611 error (OK/REBOOT) followed by a second screen 8611 ERROR -> RTFM (or other reference to the manuals.) Note I do not have HDD or battery in the unit at this point (those moved to another machine while I try to get this one under control)... Am I stuck at this point?

I saw on 28302 here that "8611: System bus error-I/F between 8042 and IPDC.". If I can't otherwise disable the trackpoint device in the BIOS, does this tell me I have a failed keyboard assembly or problem in the motherboard (hence the machine would be scrapped)?

Thanks very much,

Dave

[rkawakami]

You should be able to get to the BIOS (Easy-Setup) even if you encounter the 8611 error, however I did remember this post:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=38035

The last time that I had an 8611 error on a 600 system, I was able to access BIOS by keeping the F1 key down. I just now tried to simulate a broken trackpoint by continuously moving it around while I powered up a 600x and held the F1 key. I got the 8611 error, the first "error" screen and no matter what I did, I could not get the system to access the BIOS. I was able to either get to the second (RTFM) screen or force a reboot.

If your system is not able to access BIOS, then about the only thing that I could suggest would be to remove the keyboard's ribbon cable and boot the system with an attached external keyboard. I believe that you need a special "Y" cable which attaches to the PS/2 mouse port in order to use an external keyboard. You should then be able to follow these instructions to disable the trackpoint:

http://www.kawakami-ca.com/ibm_600x/disable_trackpoint/

Either that, source a replacement keyboard assembly with a known good trackpoint.

P.S. If you end up giving up on your 9FU, I'd be interested in it .

[wb0gaz]

Thank you very much, Ray... It sounds like you replicated my situation exactly (ending in RTFM screen). I had hoped to just disable it in BIOS and avoid disassembling it. I'll probably search for a replacement keyboard/pointer assembly (I've done that once in the past.) As for parting with it, something about "cold dead fingers" come to mind

Thanks again!

Dave