concerned about T43

[FrankL]

my second-hand T43 recently has been acting a bit strange:
- since about two weeks, the thinkpad beeps when I press the 'R' and 'T' keys on the keyboard too fast after another (as if it detects a 'stuck' key), and the same for the 'Y' and 'U' keys and 'D' and 'E' keys.
- since today, I often hear the windows sound that indicates when you disconnect a USB device, quickly followed by a sound that indicates that the USB device is connected again (within a fraction of a second after another).

Is one of the chips on the motherboard failing or is a ball-grid or other connection failing?

[richk]

Do you have a fingerprint reader? It is possible the problem is in the keyboard. (The fingerprint reader is connected as a usb device) If it is a chip failing or loose bga, it is most likely the southbridge. (big chip under the palmrest)

[FrankL]

I do have a fingerprint reader. On another note, the USB sound disappeared after a reboot; it may be related to my brother using his Sandisk Cruzer USB memory stick on my thinkpad just prior to it starting to make that noise.

I'll disassemble my thinkpad soon and try to re-seat the keyboard connector. Hopefully that'll fix the beeping noise too?

[richk]

If reboot fixed beeping, the problem may be as simple as sticky keys.

[FrankL]

If reboot fixed beeping, the problem may be as simple as sticky keys.

it did not fix the beeping: it fixed only the USB connect/disconnect windows sound. The beeping occurs for a certain subset of adjecent keys which are pressed in short succession of eachother. I've now concluded it includes the AQ pair, SW, DE, FR, GT, HY, YU, RT and probably other key pairs. Maybe the keyboard connector is not seated properly, or something is wrong in the keyboard itself or the logic controlling it. Adjecent keys giving beeps might indicate an issue with the keyboard matrix?

[FrankL]

a couple of days ago my keyboard failed (stuck key(s?) scan code '10'). Seems like the problem I mentioned before might have been caused by the first signs of a failing keyboard?

I disabled the system beep device in windows to stop the beeping back then; now I'm looking for a replacement keyboard (I tested it with another keyboard to confirm that the problem was not caused by something else, but this test keyboard didn't have US layout).

I can't find which key scan code 10 is for the keyboard in the t43, but on other models it might be the 'Q'? I also didn't find any manual to take apart/disassemble the keyboard; the only advise I found is to use high pressure air and alcohol or distilled water.

Is it really impossible to disassemble the keyboard without irreversibly damaging it?

[RealBlackStuff]

If you can figure this out from a Dutch (!) website: http://www.win.tue.nl/~aeb/linux/kbd/scancodes-10.html
This may be easier: http://www.quadibloc.com/comp/scan.htm
Code 10 is most likely the Q.

Keyboards are so cheap, it's not worth it disassembling/assembling it with as many errors as you have.
It's very easy to break the tiny bits that hold the key-moving mechanism and the key-cap itself.
Look for a matching 14" or 15" keyboard from a T40/T41/T42/T43/R50/R51/R52, which are all the same.
14" KBs have 4 studs, 15" KBs have 3 studs. You can NOT use a 14" KB in a 15" laptop and v.v.
There are two or three KB manufacturers, look for NMB, being the best.

[FrankL]

If you can figure this out from a Dutch (!) website: http://www.win.tue.nl/~aeb/linux/kbd/scancodes-10.html
This may be easier: http://www.quadibloc.com/comp/scan.htm
Code 10 is most likely the Q.

Keyboards are so cheap, it's not worth it disassembling/assembling it with as many errors as you have.
It's very easy to break the tiny bits that hold the key-moving mechanism and the key-cap itself.
Look for a matching 14" or 15" keyboard from a T40/T41/T42/T43/R50/R51/R52, which are all the same.
14" KBs have 4 studs, 15" KBs have 3 studs. You can NOT use a 14" KB in a 15" laptop and v.v.
There are two or three KB manufacturers, look for NMB, being the best.

ok I've ordered a keyboard through e-bay for 40 USD inc. international S&H. No idea about make (seller did not specify FRU, only the part number). The one that failed was a NMB though.

Now that I've bought a replacement keyboard, I'll try some more 'exotic' cleaning methods for my old keyboard.

After I've swapped keyboards I'll stop allowing the gf's cat from using my thinkpad as a rear-end warming device. Who knows whether those hairs have had an adverse effect on its longevity.