HELP ! 8611 ERROR on boot after bios upgrade ?!!

[AlexZ]

HELP !

I re-installed my 600X thinkpad yesterday with windows 98, it was working perfectly great, except the trackpoint.

When searching for trackpoint driver on IBM website I saw they provided also a BIOS update.

So I downloaded this BIOS update today and launched it....

HORRIBLE RESULT !!!!

Now I can't use my 600X anymore !!!!
It gives a 8611 ERROR on boot and I can't even enter the BIOS !

HELP ! Please, who can help ???!!

Alexandra

PS : please apologize my english, I'm French

[LtTPfan]

Are you sure you applied the right BIOS update and not one for a different machine? You said you've been having problems with your Trackpoint, the 8611 error is a Trackpoint error. You may require a repalcement keyboard but often removing the keyboard a reseating the cable will fix the problem. You can also disable the Trackpoint by editng the BIOS. To do this, with the power off, hold down the F1 and press power. You can release the button after the memory count or just hold it till the easy setup menu appears. Select the config menu then press Ctrl+D to get to the BIOS editor. Arrow down to the 3rd row, 1st collumn. There should be 02 there. Change it to 01 then save and exit. You should be good to go, just no Trackpoint.

[AlexZ]

I'm sure I updated the right BIOS. In fact this update succeeded I think, and is not linked with my 8611 error.

After many tries I succeedeed in booting and entering windows.
What is surprising is that the trackpoint was now operative ???
It was working OK for going up and down, but completely crazy for left and right movements.
Buttons were ok.
I could use the mouse, it was ok, but not that foolish trackpoint.


I did like you said, and I disabled the trackpoint in the BIOS according to your instructions.
Then I added a mouse. I could not add a PS/2 mouse, the system does not see it !
So I had to use an USB mouse, that's a pity cause I only have one USB on my thinkpad.

Now it is working perfectly without the trackpoint. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP !! and no 8611 error.

So, according to this, it seems my problem was due to that trackpoint, don't you think ?

And do you think I could later repair the trackpoint ?
I'm a bit afraid when you say I have to open the laptop
I don't want to break anything or to touch anything that should not be touched.

Whatever, thanks again.

Alex

[GomJabbar]

Symptom / Error
861X
(Pointing device error when
TrackPoint is enabled.)
----8611: System bus error–I/F between 8042 and IPDC.
----8612: TrackPoint error.
----8613: System board or TrackPoint error.

FRU / Action in Sequence
1. Reseat the keyboard cable on the sub card.
2. Keyboard
3. External mouse
4. Sub card
5. System board

Above was reformatted to make more readable on this forum.

[LtTPfan]

If you don't already have it, download the Hardware Maintenance Manual here: 600X HMM link Read how to remove the keyboard and decide if you are up to it.

[Laptop_wizard]

To Fix the trackpoint you must replace the keyboard.

I have suceeded in replacing a track point from a nad keyboard (bad trackpoint) to my good keyboard (bad track point) but only for advanced Techs.

Ebay has them for about $40.00