Linux Cannot login to Mint Os.

6pack

I have Linux Mint installed on a nokia laptop. Keyboard is automatically typing the [ key at full speed right during startup. I can see the line of [[[[[[ typed after grub boots. This nonsense started suddenly this morning. When the login screen appears the key types automatically and i have to press escape key multiple times to clear the password field. No matter what i try, i couldn't login.
Is the keyboard gone bad or is this a software problem?

I tried searching for nokia purebook laptop keyboard but results are from Alibaba or Amazon dot com. Is there a way to use the laptop with internal keyboard disabled and use external wifi keyboard?

Tracer_Bullet

Dunno why, but this seems to be a regular problem with laptops. In my case, this has always been a problem with keyboards. Could this be caused by dust getting trapped under the key ?

Try to press each key multiple times and see if this helps.
If you are able to login eventually, you could try disabling the internal keyboard and connect an external one. if problem goes away, then that will confirm it.

6pack

I think it's keyboard problem. I tried logging in automatically with live mint usb drive and the entire os started to not behave properly after a few minutes. Trackpad stopped responding. On desktop, the search bar opened up and the [ key was filling it up. I tried to remove the laptop ribbon cable but it is right next to the battery. I don't know how to open this. It's too small for my hands to grip anything. I'll need to buy some tweezers set now and a good pair of magnifying glasses too. Worst case scenario - I'll cut the cable with scissors.

Tracer_Bullet

6pack said:
Worst case scenario - I'll cut the cable with scissors.

Just get the keyboard replaced if you have some local laptop repair shop. This is a common issue across multiple laptops it seems, so repair guy should know what to do.
Did you try pressing '[' key multiple times ? Sometimes than can solve it, assuming '[' is the only offending key.

Also you can try to disable the internal keyboard in linux. Google for it.

TEUser2K1

For testing purpose, did you try to connect a USB keyboard and try to use it ? Does it work properly ?

alap4m

This could most likely be a Keyboard issue.
The connector cable appears to be misaligned. Assuming you did not misalign the cable, try using some good cleaning liquid and make a good connection.
One of the keys on the keyboard could be stuck as well. Try to clean the keyboard. Press each key multiple time to try and ensure they are pressing correctly.

If Laptop keyboard can be "disabled" or the laptop can be forced to bypass internal keyboard if an external USB keyboard is attached, you could try doing that.
However, servicing the laptop, and particularly the keyboard, could be the best solution.

6pack

Tracer_Bullet said:
Just get the keyboard replaced if you have some local laptop repair shop.

Unfortunately there are no local laptop repair shops in my area. It's an industrial area so most shops are just hardware shops.

Tracer_Bullet said:
Also you can try to disable the internal keyboard in linux. Google for it.

Mouse doesn't work with the [ key spamming the system continuously.

TEUser2K1 said:
For testing purpose, did you try to connect a USB keyboard and try to use it ? Does it work properly ?

Right now, I don't have any working USB or wireless keyboard. Just a usb mouse.

codwapeace

6pack said:
I think it's keyboard problem. I tried logging in automatically with live mint usb drive and the entire os started to not behave properly after a few minutes. Trackpad stopped responding. On desktop, the search bar opened up and the [ key was filling it up. I tried to remove the laptop ribbon cable but it is right next to the battery. I don't know how to open this. It's too small for my hands to grip anything. I'll need to buy some tweezers set now and a good pair of magnifying glasses too. Worst case scenario - I'll cut the cable with scissors.

View attachment 206019

You need to pull up on the black bar (on which 61P) is written. It should open with just your fingernails. Put your fingernails under the black bar and over the blue part of the cable and it should pull up, unlocking the cable. Don't try too hard. If it is too difficult to open maybe you need to push the black bar towards the blue section and then pull up. In either case, if you need to put too much force, you are doing something wrong. These locking mechanisms don't require much force to open.

john1911

I had a HP laptop with the same problem, letter L was being pressed intermittently, like sometimes LLLLLLLLLLLLL continuously, sometimes nothing for 1 minute, then 5-10 inputs, then nothing. I disconnected the keyboard ribbon cable on the motherboard and the issue was still there. It is kept like that since. Tried Windows reinstall and Ubuntu, both had same issue.