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Debugging Keyboard events in Sony Laptop |
2024-10-06 |
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It wasn’t even a day—actually just a few hours—after I finally gave a purpose to my old Sony Laptop and updated its kernel for daily use when I noticed that the up arrow key wasn’t working.
At first, I thought I’d wasted all that time on a machine that I should probably just condemn. But there was something more at play—this wasn't just any laptop. It was a gift from my mom, my pink laptop with my name engraved on it. The emotional value was enough to keep me going. I couldn’t give up on it that easily!
Since I’d spent so much time already, I figured I’d start debugging. I created an event notifier for keyboard events using the following kernel module:
{% highlight c %} static int notifier(struct notifier_block *nblock, unsigned long code, void *_param) { struct keyboard_notifier_param *param = _param;
if (code == KBD_KEYCODE) {
printk(KERN_INFO "Key press: scancode = %d\n", param->value);
}
return NOTIFY_OK;
}
static struct notifier_block nb = { .notifier_call = notifier }; {% endhighlight %}
The idea was to capture and log any key events. Pressing the up arrow...nothing. Sigh.
I tried something else. I removed the key, dusted it off, cleaned everything, and reattached it. Still no events. Another sigh.
Then, in what felt like a desperate attempt, I removed the key once again. At this point, I was sure I’d broken something—both the key and my heart. But before giving up completely, I tried pressing the actual rubber underneath the key that triggers the event.
Success! Events were detected, but only when pressing the rubber directly—not with the key attached.
With a bit of cello tape (yes, you read that right), I reattached the key to the keyboard. It’s not perfect, but it works—kind of. In the end, I’m using SSH to access my Sony laptop, but at least I know the up key is functional. And even if I don’t use it, just knowing it’s working gives me a sense of relief.
What do you think? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.