can't get a command line

[jozien]

I just purchased a l540 ThinkPad and using linux mepis 11 or mint 17 KDE, can't get to a command line using "ctrl + alt +f1-f6"
I am now using a T60 ThinkPad and don't have this problem.
Been using linux for over 20 years and was able to use "ctrl + alt +f1-f6" to get a command line in all laptops or desktops I ever used.
Is there another way to get a command line? I prefer a command line over GUI.

Is this problem on other ThinkPads?
How to resolve it.

jozien

[GomJabbar]

There should be kernel parameters that you can enter on the boot line from GRUB, such as init=/bin/sh

https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/kernel_parameters

Take a look at that. You can also edit grub to change the default action (cli or gui).

[twistero]

Are you sure you're pressing Ctrl + Alt + (say) F1, instead of Ctrl + Alt + mute? The F-keys are by default function keys, and you have to press Fn + mute to get F1, for example. So hold down Ctrl and Alt, then press Fn + mute(F1) and see what happens.

[jaspen-meyer]

add a 'keyboard shortcut'. the desktop managers you mention have a file for adding keyboard shortcuts.
I haven't used Mint but perhaps it uses xfce.
in xubuntu's implementation of xfce keyboard shortcuts are here ~/.config/xfce4/xfconf/xfce-perchannel-xml
kde may be ~/.kde/share/config/khotkeysrc or ~/.kde/share/apps/kcmkeys

perhaps there's a glitch with your keyboard map.
the workaround is to figure out which keys x thinks you're pressing.
'xev' will show you what keys you're pressing

Code: Select all

~$ whatis xev
xev (1)              - print contents of X events

Output on my T400 from pressing left ctrl, left alt and f4 was

Code: Select all

KeyPress event, serial 37, synthetic NO, window 0x3a00001,
    root 0x9a, subw 0x0, time 1898682, (80,87), root:(631,423),
    state 0x0, keycode 37 (keysym 0xffe3, Control_L), same_screen YES,
    XLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
    XmbLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
    XFilterEvent returns: False

KeyRelease event, serial 37, synthetic NO, window 0x3a00001,
    root 0x9a, subw 0x0, time 1899659, (80,87), root:(631,423),
    state 0x4, keycode 37 (keysym 0xffe3, Control_L), same_screen YES,
    XLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
    XFilterEvent returns: False

KeyPress event, serial 37, synthetic NO, window 0x3a00001,
    root 0x9a, subw 0x0, time 1900089, (80,87), root:(631,423),
    state 0x0, keycode 64 (keysym 0xffe9, Alt_L), same_screen YES,
    XLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
    XmbLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
    XFilterEvent returns: False

KeyRelease event, serial 37, synthetic NO, window 0x3a00001,
    root 0x9a, subw 0x0, time 1900336, (80,87), root:(631,423),
    state 0x8, keycode 64 (keysym 0xffe9, Alt_L), same_screen YES,
    XLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
    XFilterEvent returns: False

KeyPress event, serial 37, synthetic NO, window 0x3a00001,
    root 0x9a, subw 0x0, time 1910324, (80,87), root:(631,423),
    state 0x0, keycode 70 (keysym 0xffc1, F4), same_screen YES,
    XLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
    XmbLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
    XFilterEvent returns: False

Other possible leads:
https://wiki.kubuntu.org/LaptopTesting/Keycodes
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Hotkeys/Architecture
/usr/include/linux/input.h

[evening_hunger]

Perhaps he had a Fn<->Ctrl swap and didn't know about it?