Arch Linux

rklingsten

Member

Registered: 2009-07-31

Posts: 29

Strange USB keyboard issue at boot when prompted for the LUKS password

I have a strange problem with the keyboard at boot. I'm booting a UEFI system with systemd-boot, and a LUKS encrypted LVM root.

I am using an Apple wired keyboard, and it's connected to a Dell monitor, which is then connected to a USB 2 connector on the back of the Gigabyte motherboard.

When the computer comes on, I can hit DEL for a boot menu or F12 and get into the EFI setup utlity, etc. no problem. But, when boot proceeds and the prompt comes up to enter the LUKS key to decrypt root, nothing happens, I can't tell if the keyboard isn't typing or what. Even if I move the USB connector for the keyboard to the motherboard directly, it doesn't seem like the password is getting entered. The computer just sits there.

I have to get another USB keyboard (an HP is what I have laying around) and connect that to another USB port on the motherboard, type the password and everything proceeds normally. And the Apple keyboard works fine from there on.

Where do I start with this? Thanks for any suggestions!

frostschutz

Member

Registered: 2013-11-15

Posts: 1,551

Re: Strange USB keyboard issue at boot when prompted for the LUKS password

When the computer comes on, I can hit DEL for a boot menu or F12 and get into the EFI setup utlity

So the keyboard is connected and working just fine, physically.

But, when boot proceeds and the prompt comes up to enter the LUKS key to decrypt root, nothing happens

Find out which drivers / module(s) are used for the USB keyboard and add it to your mkinitcpio.conf so the Linux kernel/initramfs will know to have driver support for this device ready for you.

In particular, boot without the keyboard that does not work, check lsmod, then plug the keyboard in, check lsmod again and see if any new modules were added, and that'd be the ones to add.

Last edited by frostschutz (2015-11-04 21:26:16)

R00KIE

Forum Fellow

From: Between a computer and a chair

Registered: 2008-09-14

Posts: 4,734

Re: Strange USB keyboard issue at boot when prompted for the LUKS password

My best guess is that your initramfs is missing a module or you forgot to include a hook. Try the fallback image, if that doesn't work it's most probably a missing hook.

Last edited by R00KIE (2015-11-04 21:25:32)

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R00KIE
Tm90aGluZyB0byBzZWUgaGVyZSwgbW92ZSBhbG9uZy4K

rklingsten

Member

Registered: 2009-07-31

Posts: 29

Re: Strange USB keyboard issue at boot when prompted for the LUKS password

In particular, boot without the keyboard that does not work, check lsmod, then plug the keyboard in, check lsmod again and see if any new modules were added, and that'd be the ones to add.

My best guess is that your initramfs is missing a module or you forgot to include a hook. Try the fallback image, if that doesn't work it's most probably a missing hook.

I will try both these suggestions tomorrow and report back. Thanks for the help!

rklingsten

Member

Registered: 2009-07-31

Posts: 29

Re: Strange USB keyboard issue at boot when prompted for the LUKS password

That fixed it; I finally got back to this...

I had to add "hid_apple" to the mkinitcpio.conf file.

Thanks!