Keyboard does not work in GRUB v2 on reboot

[isotope]

Binary package hint: grub2

Keyboard is not working in GRUB 2 when laptop reboots, so I cannot select OS or skip timeout. Works perfectly on normal startup.
I have HP 6735s laptop and USB keyboard A4Tech KL-5UP.

This started after clean install of lucid. Had not such problem in karmic with same keyboard and GRUB 2.

Regards,
isotope.

ProblemType: Bug
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 10.04
Package: grub-pc 1.98-1ubuntu6
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 2.6.32-22.33-generic 2.6.32.11+drm33.2
Uname: Linux 2.6.32-22-generic x86_64
NonfreeKernelModules: wl
Architecture: amd64
Date: Wed May 12 21:47:42 2010
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 10.04 LTS "Lucid Lynx" - Release amd64 (20100429)
ProcEnviron:
 LANG=en_US.utf8
 SHELL=/bin/bash
SourcePackage: grub2

[Mark Jones (linuxguy2009-deactivatedaccount-deactivatedaccount-deactivatedaccount)]

Ok so we need to narrow down the cause.
Does the normal laptop keyboard function correctly, when the USB one is not attached?
Have you tested the USB keyboard on another machine or verified that the batteries and connection are ok and is not suffering from failing hardware? Please post back.

[isotope (vadim-ryazanov)]

Hi, Mark,

So, I have done a bunch of tests and the results as follows:
1. USB keyboard works ok with other computer.
2. Laptop keyboard works normal with and without USB keyboard attached.
3. USB keyboard works in BIOS (prior GRUB takes over), I can enter BIOS and operate in every case.
4. Problem only occurs if I reboot from Ubuntu (from login screen as well). I have tried to reboot from Windows 7 and did not experience problem. Tried to reboot from GRUB (Ctrl+Alt+Del) after first boot, and problem does not occur till I boot to Ubuntu
5. Tried other USB port on system: same result.
6. I have attached kernel log for today.

Hope this information will help, let me know what else I can do.

Regards,
Isotope.

[Mark Jones (linuxguy2009-deactivatedaccount-deactivatedaccount-deactivatedaccount)]

"1. USB keyboard works ok with other computer."
Does the other computer run the same version of Ubuntu and uses grub also and it works on that one?

Have you used that same keyboard on that same laptop with prior Ubuntu releases? Worked before?
Have you tried using the keyboard with the usually supplied green or purple USB to PS2 convertor? Works?

I'll wait for your response.

[isotope (vadim-ryazanov)]

I have checked keyboard with my netbook running Win7 and laptop running WinXP. Unfortunately I have no other computer running Ubuntu to check on and none else running GRUB.

Yes, I have used very same keyboard on same machine running Ubuntu 9.04 and 9.10. When I was running 9.10 I upgraded GRUB to GRUB 2 and did not experienced the problem.

I have only laptops at home and no desktops, so I cannot check USB to PS2 adapter.

Should I try and reinstall grub-pc package?

[Zordid (zordid-gmx)]

This annoying behavior is still existent in Natty! Please fix it!

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

Status changed to 'Confirmed' because the bug affects multiple users.

[Darren Conway (darren-conway)]

Hello
I have this same problem with a twist.

I have a dual boot Win 10 / Ubuntu system running on a Gigabyte MoBo. It all worked perfectly until I installed a media card reader. This includes a USB3.0 interface that plugs directly into the MoBo USB3.0 port. When I try and boot, the usb keyboard does not respond in GRUB2. I can't choose an OS. It defaults to Ubuntu. Once in Ubuntu the mouse and keyboard work perfectly.

My work around is to unplug the media card reader from the USB3.0 port which negates the purpose of having it.