Sony Vaio keyboard problem

Trying to install Ubuntu 12.04 in a recent Vaio notebook has given me some headache. Tried already three different versions with the same result. The installation crashes right from the start, and it locks the keyboard. The oddest thing is that the keyboard remain locked even after a hard reboot.

Almost all keys stopped working. Only the Assist, Web, Vaio and Eject keys, and the combinations Fn + Fxx keys work. Reinstalling the drivers does not solve the problem.

Usually, the problem is solved as soon as you enter the BIOS Setup Utility. Plug in an USB keyboard, turn on the notebook, type F2 and then F1, not simultaneously. This combination starts the BIOS Setup. If you are lucky, the keyboard will be unlocked as soon as the BIOS Setup starts.

If it does not work, try removing the battery for a few seconds and turning on again the computer.

xkcd spoiler

This post is a tribute to the webcomic xkcd, loved by computer scientists all over the world.

Spoiler alert: do not click the link if you want to explore the Click and Drag story by yourself.

Click and Drag spoiler.