Thinkpads Forum

I have been getting this error code since the trackpoint stopped working. To sidestep it I installed an external mouse. However the error code keeps reappearing on startup, then goes into easysetup where I am given choice to test or restart. Either way I receive error messages and the computer does not boot up. The keyboard seems looser on right side than left and by pressing down on it at times I have managed to bypass problem. However this is unsustainable. I could by a TP keyboard on ebay but I am unclear if this will definitely solve the problem or whether the problem is with the system board itself?

There is no way to be absolutely certain until you replace the keyboard (or the system board). On the 600X, you can set the mouse to be run by external, but I don't know if it will still test it during POST.

The problem is almost certainly the trackpoint, as it has a strain gauge and associated electronics and flexible circuits and they fail all the time. System boards are much more reliable.

Just like an old car, you have to decide what repairs are worthwhile.

Is your external mouse USB or PS/2, I have one of each, my computer deals with both of them differently.

I also do not recall if it tests the internal rodent with the external PS/2 plugged in and the setting on "External" I know with the setting on "Automatic" (Mine is a 600E) with a PS/2 device plugged in, the internal mouse is disabled. My older thinkpad would sometimes work with an external PS/2 mouse AND the TP both enabled at the same time (Sometimes, not often)

Hi thanks for getting back
Of course I would like to think it is just trackpoint. But at the moment the computer has completely seized up and I am not getting beyond the 8611 error message despite trying my previous technique of applying pressure to right hand side. The message when I tested system board in easy setup was:DEV 086
ERR 22
FRU 0010

Is it worth getting a new keyboard or is it the system board itself and curtains for my Thinkpad? There has been a progressive deteroriation from trackpoint not working to sometimes 8611 message to always 8611 message. When I was able to get into windows I had no problems using PS2 mouse although it sometimes froze (I think due to only 160mb ram on 366mhz running XP)

mastermiaow wrote:Hi thanks for getting back
Of course I would like to think it is just trackpoint. But at the moment the computer has completely seized up and I am not getting beyond the 8611 error message despite trying my previous technique of applying pressure to right hand side. The message when I tested system board in easy setup was:DEV 086
ERR 22
FRU 0010

Is it worth getting a new keyboard or is it the system board itself and curtains for my Thinkpad? There has been a progressive deteroriation from trackpoint not working to sometimes 8611 message to always 8611 message. When I was able to get into windows I had no problems using PS2 mouse although it sometimes froze (I think due to only 160mb ram on 366mhz running XP)

The unit is worth saving.

You need to replace the keyboard.

This is a year later but I have an answer that does not involve replaceing the keyboard.

On my thinkpad (600E) I have had this problem a couple times. what I did just now that worked is this:

Once the easy set up diagnostic program comes up, hit ESC, it will then show the err number (8611) = [a red "not OK" symbol] ---> [pic of IBM users manual], from here press F1 and the system will continue to boot.

However my ps/2 mouse would not work so I used a combination of keyboard navigation (CTRL + ESC opens the start menu) and VNC, I did not try a serial mouse, nor did windows give me a no mouse error. I am running Win ME on that comp (I would NOT recomend this OS to anyone)

sorry I couldn't have posted this earlyer.