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omgwtfbyobbq

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Registered: 2006-07-04

Posts: 226

Question about segfaults [solved]

I have a backlit keyboard that I couldn't get to function w/ linux, however it works well w/ windows. I figured it just couldn't be activated in *nix, however I was futzing around w/ a laptop HD in my desktop and after a segfault (Couldn't find the root disk) the whole keyboard started flashing on and off. What causes the flashing during a segfault? I figure I should be able to use that to turn on the keyboard illumination, but I don't have any idea where to start looking.

Last edited by omgwtfbyobbq (2010-03-09 03:36:33)

crankyadmin

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Registered: 2009-09-27

Posts: 117

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Re: Question about segfaults [solved]

Had the machine locked up then the K/B was flashing?

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omgwtfbyobbq

Member

Registered: 2006-07-04

Posts: 226

Re: Question about segfaults [solved]

Yes. It spit out some debug output (?) and was totally frozen.

Last edited by omgwtfbyobbq (2010-03-08 20:13:50)

pyther

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Registered: 2008-01-21

Posts: 1,395

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Re: Question about segfaults [solved]

/*
* i8042_panic_blink() will flash the keyboard LEDs and is called when
* kernel panics. Flashing LEDs is useful for users running X who may
* not see the console and will help distingushing panics from "real"
* lockups.
*
* Note that DELAY has a limit of 10ms so we will not get stuck here
* waiting for KBC to free up even if KBD interrupt is off
*/

That was from a 2007 post, but I'd look at that function in the kernel source. It sounds as if you had a kernel panic and usually kernel panics will cause the leds on the keyboard to flash.

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omgwtfbyobbq

Member

Registered: 2006-07-04

Posts: 226

Re: Question about segfaults [solved]

That's it! Thanks a bunch pyther.