0211: keyboard Error - PhoenixBios 4.0 Release 6.0

[problems]

when booting an old Sony Vaio laptop it gives me the following error:

PhoenixBIOS 4.o Release 6.0
Copyright 1985-2000 Phoenix Technologies Ltd
All Rights reserved

CPU= Mobile Intel Ū Pentium Ū 3 - M CPU 450 Mhz
640K System RAM Passed
255 Extended RAM Passed
256K Cache SRAM Passed
System BIOS Shadowed
Video BIOS Shadowed
UMB upper limit segment address: EAC3
Mouse initialized
Fixed Disk 0: TOSHIBA MQ20ksfu
ATAPI CD-ROM: TOSHIBA DVD-ROM SD-C2202

ERROR
0211: Keyobard error

Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to setup

But it let me use the keyboard, since I can press Fīs functions, arrow keys, nothing else tested (while booting). When I press F1 or F2 it continues, but when it gets to XP (SP2) keyboard doesnīt work, just the mouse and it is normal (without keyboard).

Your help will be appreciated. Thanks.

[Geek-9pm]

This is a laptop?
Did you try an external keyboard?
You may have a stuck key.
Or the keyboard is full of dust and grime.

[mr tee]

To help me understand the issue further can you please follow the steps below?

1. Download and run the WGA Diagnostic Tool  http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012

2. After running the WGA Diagnostic Tool, click on the "Windows" tab and then click on "Copy to Clipboard". Paste the results into your forum response.

[problems]

here it is. why the validation?

Diagnostic Report (1.9.0006.1):
-----------------------------------------
WGA Data-->
Validation Status: Genuine
Validation Code: 0
Online Validation Code: N/A
Cached Validation Code: N/A
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-
Windows Product Key Hash:
Windows Product ID: ------------------------------------------
Windows Product ID Type: 1
Windows License Type: Volume
Windows OS version: 5.1.2600.2.00010100.2.0.pro
ID: {58B64B7E-1A01-46E2-97A3-ECA33D252EBD}(3)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
WGA Version: Registered, 1.7.69.2
Signed By: Microsoft
Product Name: N/A
Architecture: N/A
Build lab: N/A
TTS Error: N/A
Validation Diagnostic: 025D1FF3-230-1
Resolution Status: N/A

WgaER Data-->
ThreatID(s): N/A
Version: N/A

WGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
File Exists: No
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaTray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaLogon.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WGATray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAAddin.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Data-->
Office Status: 114 Blocked VLK 2
Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003 - 114 Blocked VLK 2
OGA Version: N/A, 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Office Diagnostics: 025D1FF3-230-1

Browser Data-->
Proxy settings: N/A
User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Win32)
Default Browser: C:\Archivos de programa\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disabled
Active scripting: Allowed
Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed

File Scan Data-->

Other data-->
Office Details: <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{58B64B7E-1A01-46E2-97A3-ECA33D252EBD}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0006.1</Version><OS>5.1.2600.2.00010100.2.0.pro</OS><Architecture>x32</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-RM44W</PKey><PID>55274-640-0589553-23380</PID><PIDType>1</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-1390067357-492894223-1708537768</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>Sony Corporation    </Manufacturer><Model>PCG-F430(UC)        </Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>Phoenix Technologies LTD</Manufacturer><Version>WME01K1</Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="1"/><Date>20000810000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>68123807018400C6</HWID><UserLCID>240A</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0C0A</SystemLCID><TimeZone>Hora est. del Pacífico de SA(GMT-05:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM/><GANotification/></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>114</Result><Products><Product GUID="{90110C0A-6000-11D3-8CFE-0150048383C9}"><LegitResult>114</LegitResult><Name>Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003</Name><Ver>11</Ver><Val>59D1605114E3500</Val><Hash>vfZmaSmFPIYrLWTcZSZErUQg+Fo=</Hash><Pid>73961-640-0000106-57975</Pid><PidType>14</PidType></Product></Products><Applications><App Id="15" Version="11" Result="114"/><App Id="16" Version="11" Result="114"/><App Id="18" Version="11" Result="114"/><App Id="19" Version="11" Result="114"/><App Id="1A" Version="11" Result="114"/><App Id="1B" Version="11" Result="114"/><App Id="44" Version="11" Result="114"/></Applications></Office></Software></GenuineResults> 

Licensing Data-->
N/A

HWID Data-->
N/A

OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
BIOS string matches: yes
Marker string from BIOS: 113D2:GENUINE C&C INC|BA0B:Semp Toshiba Informatica Ltda|BA0B:TOSHIBA CORPORATION
Marker string from OEMBIOS.DAT: N/A, hr = 0x80004005

OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
N/A

edited to remove Product Code.

[problems]

I also tried the first solution, prior to the posts, I unhook the keybord, cleaned and dusted properly. And also tried the external keyboard, to my surprise IT DOESNīT WORK either. Any ideas? with this new clues?

Thanks to both of you for the suggestions, I will be waiting for new instructions.

[problems]

I downloaded a utility from Phoenix, I will post the result here. Please advise.

[problems]

I ran a utility to verify the Bios health BIOSAGENTPLUS_29, it said that it was Bad but I cannot download the fix. any ideas?

[patio]

BIOS agent is  a scam...all they want is your money.
Don't rely on their info...period.

[problems]

Thanks Patio  I suspected that too. Any ideas? where can I download an update? thanks again

[patio]

Sony.
You will have to enter the serial and model #.
The connector ribbon could also have come loose...any repair shops in your area ?

[problems]

Patio, I went to a shop, they said that the keyboard needs to be replaced, but I cannot understand why the keyboard still works while using BIOS alone. A new clue, the CAPS and Number lock leds are ON. I checked the ribbon and looks tight.

model pcg-f430
28306830 3426847

around here the keyboard is @ 75, that is why Iīm kind of researching.
thanks for your help.

[problems]

Patio et al

I created a bootable floopy, booted from there (with systemīs symbol) DOS Free Kernel, the keyboard worked, I tested every key and it works correctly.

Is it the driver for XP? what do you think?

Thanks for your answer and advise.

[patio]

I'd still try a new keyboard...get a PS2 model.
That way even if that's not the issue you now have one in inventory...everyone should have one.
15 Bucks...you can't go wrong.

[problems]

Thanks Patio, I tried a PS2 keyboard in the secondary keyboard port, remember that it is a laptop, and it doesnīt work, even in bios mode or dos mode. I guess my options now are limited to install XP again, and if it fails get the new keyborard for the laptop. Though around here, Colombia, even for an old laptop like this its quite expensive more than US$75. I will keep you posted.

[problems]

Patio et al. Good news, following your idea of the PS2 keyboard, that I tried and didnīt work, I tried an USB keyboard, it worked ! and after installing the driver, I unplugged the USB keyboard and tested the laptopīs keyboard and it worked !. I went a little forward, I rebooted the laptop, without the USB keyboard, this time the laptopīs keyboard didnīt work.

My guess is that the driver for the keyboard is faulty. Any suggestions? . thanks.

[Geek-9pm]

Get back to where the USB keyboard works. Then while using it, go into device manger and remove the internal keyboard driver, if you can. Reboot and let Windows 'discover' you laptop keyboard. Maybe this with force a re-install of the keyboard default driver. I don't know.Just one of my dumb ideas.

[problems]

Geek et al,

I did the implementation of your suggestion a little different, as follows:
 1. I checked and the internal keyboard (laptopīs keyboard didnīt work, no USB or PS2 keyboards phisically present),
2. I went directly to Device Manager and deleted PS2 keyboard, THERE WAS NO OTHER KEYBOARD PRESENT, though.
3. It asked me to reboot, before doing that, I checked and the laptopīs keyboard worked.
4. I rebooted, laptopīs keyboard didnīt work, no USB or PS2 phisical keyboards present, it installed the new device (PS2 keyboard), finished installing it, laptopīs keyboard didnīt work.
5. I rebooted again, I didnīt do anything else on Device Manager, just checked that PS2 was the only keyboard present.
6. when it got to windows, laptopīs keyboard didnīt work. No USB keyboard present either, nor PS2.

My guess once more is that a driver or something in that fashion is failing. keyboard is phisically ok as we determined with the tests. Any new procedure to test?

Patio and Geek, thanks for your valuable help.

[Geek-9pm]

A look on the Sonay site would suggest that others have had this problem too. So, if you are crazy, so are they!

Follow this procedure to remove the keyboard from Device Manager.

   1. Click the Start button, point to Settings , and click Control Panel .
   2. In the Control Panel window, click the System icon.
   3. In the System Properties window, click the Device Manager tab.
   4. On the Device Manager tab, double-click keyboard .
   5. Under Keyboard , click to select Standard 101/102 key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard .
   6. Click the Remove button.
   7. In the Confirm Device Removal box, click the OK button.
   8. In the System Setting Change box, click the Yes button to restart the computer.

Source:
http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=kc&externalId=C161913&sliceId=1&docTypeID=DT_KNOWLEDGEARTICLES_1_1&dialogID=89486158&stateId=0%200%2089488390
  (scroll down that page)

[problems]

Here I'm here again. Geek et al,

I followed the procedure and checked for updates the Sony website. The results:
- I followed the procedure, and here I am, results negative once more.
- I downloaded the bios update available for the Vaio PCG-F430 and the utility rejected the laptop> not needed.

Now, I really don't know what to do. The workaround that I am doing is erasing the device and the keyword works until I reboot, but ....

Geek, could you please give me the link to the posts of the other users having the problem, just to read more about it. Thanks.

[Geek-9pm]

The Sony forums are far and all over the place. You may get just as much help here. I tok a look around and many complain about the keyboard. I do not think it is the BIOS. IME if it is a BIOS problem the company will fix it. Cheap fix. If it is a mechanical problem, not an easy fix for the company. So my gut feeling is that it is not BIOS thing. Nobody says that it is. The efforts  fix up the windows drivers may be un Faux pas.

(What i want to say is it is easy for the company to issue a new driver, hard to replace hundreds of keyboards.)

The wires that connect the keyboard to something can be damaged, loose or dirty. Be careful. The link below is one of the best sites for that issue.
http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic46669.html
More: edit
httq://www.windowsbbs.com/windows-xp/39949-keyboard-failure-trying-reinstall-win-xp-home.html
For more, Google  Sony Vaio Keyboard Failure
That is the best I can offer. You may be able to find a replacement keyboard at a fair price. You should not pay more that $35 for a good one.

[problems]

Thanks Geek.

I agree with you on the Bios opinion. thanks for the links I read more about the different keyboard problems.

On buying the keyboard I already talk to a shop here, Colombia, and they are trying to get one for the laptop, the price is still high , US$ 75 here in Colombia, no cheaper than that and they donīt have it, but they are trying to get one. Since I posted this I called them, a couple of weeks ago, no luck yet, and I understand that, if they import a new or used one, is about US$45 for the Fedex or UPS international, and a used one in the US is about $15, that times 2.5 is $150,000 local currency, plus their profit.

I think for now the solution would be the usb keyboard until I get back to the US or find a fix, I will use the machime in DOS or something lighter, since I believe that phisically the keyboard is OK, I have tested it, as I posted. I checked ribbons and everthing and looks fine, and works in DOS and when deleting the device,it  has to be phisically OK.

I will keep you posted on news about this topic.

Once more thanks for your valuable help and time.

P.S. I know, I am stubborn about this issue, but there are clues that the keyboard is OK, and it is not the Bios, probably a case for Dr. House. 

[Geek-9pm]

You are sure it works in DOS? very odd.
Hewe is a hunch. Go into regional settings and set it up as Latin or Brazilian or German. Anything other that USA English. This forces a new layout and will invoke more other stuff to support regional layout. Just a hunch. It may alter the keyboard driver just enough to make it stable with the weak keyboard.Try installing two reginal layouts and flick between then and note what that does.

[problems]

Geek et al,

I am positive that it work in DOS and in XP when I delete the PS2 Device, in device manager and before it reboots, when it reinstalls it fails. Most of this posts have been typed with the faulty keyboard, in XP after the device is uninstalled.

I did your suggestion, I changed the Regional Settings, and when rebooted it tried to install a PCI device, I tried to supply the XP cd, then in the internet but it said that could not find the controller or device or driver. I remember that when I installed XP, some time ago, it also happened, but I clicked in the box "do not show again".

After last paragraph, I tried to re install Xp, but I could not, the error was that when XP installer begins, after I delete the device, the keyboard works, but when the installer reboots the keyboard doesnīt work again. I have win98, I will try to install it , since the keyboard works in win98, then install XP and see how it works, without changing the regional settings, now that I remember the fault started when I tried to change the keyboard to Spanish, not yesterday but a long time ago, and I disabled the error message of the PCI, then the keyboard didnīt work, after that I started this post. Apologies because I didnīt supply this information before, I just remember it. Though, the 0211 problem was there before that.

Thanks for your time and help.

[problems]

Geek et al

Here I go again, more news.

As I posted before, I started the "migration" as follows:

1. I tried to create several partitions with a Linux utility named gparted-live-0.4.3-2 , before doing that (as usual) I deleted the keyboard device and the keyboard was working. But when booting from the cd, the keyboard didnīt work with gparted.

2. I decided to wipe out the disk and start from there. I had FreeDOS and win98 boot disks, in both the keyboard worked completely.

3. I installed win98 second edition, since I remembered that the keyboard worked with that OS without any tricks.

4. The laptop works and the keyboard works without tricks in win98 SE. Now, when I tried to install XP SP2 or SP3 it goes "black" and does nothing at all. I have not done anything else yet, I will keep trying tonight.
Though, a few errors came up from the win98 installation, drivers for firewire, infrared and others and a vnetbios.vxb or something like it.

I will keep you posted.

[problems]

Good News !!!

Geek, Patio et al

As I stated a few days ago, I started doing the solution that I believed was correct, since I strongly believed that the keyboard was phisically OK, let me write it: install again XP with a fully funtional keyboard.

I installed win98 and the keyboard worked perfectly.

I tried to install XP over win98, since the keyboard worked, but it failed since XPīs cd got the keyboard error again, and nothing worked, so I couldnīt install XP, in that instance.

I decided to put the USB keyboard again and start the installation process once more.

It finished the process and both keyboards worked OK. I unhooked the USB keyboard, and laptopīs keyboard worked OK. I rebooted and the keyboard kept working OK.

conclusion: laptopīs keyboard worked OK after the installation of XP, with the help of USB keyboard.

I am thankful that it works now with a fresh and new XP installation. But the 0211 error at boot process continues, and the question remains: what happened?. Probably it was the change of regional configuration that Geek suggested, that when trying to get the PCI information it couldnīt get it and then XP disabled the keyboard. Remember that win98 recognized the keyboard and then XP, with the help of USB keyboard, could install a new version and got it working.

Once more thanks to Geek, Patio and all that contributed with ideas for this fix.