Dyalog Forums

I've been using <Shift-Esc> to quit the Dyalog session editor for decades. It recently began to fail when I purchased a new Lenovo Thinkpad, Model X201s (the lightest, fastest, smallest one available that still had a full-size keyboard.) At first I thought it was a Dyalog/Windows7 issue, but have since been able to prove that the problem lies with some unspecified Lenovo preloaded software and/or drivers. So far Lenovo has not been that sympathetic, probably because there aren't that many applications in the world that rely on <Shift-Esc>.

Has anybody else encountered this?

One workaround is to simply redefine Dyalog's keyboard, but that would mean changing all development machines. And I don't yet know whether any other keys are similarly effected. (Re-programming 25 years of neural pathways is not easy either.)

Another is to wade through the unsupported techinque of creating a special build of the operating system without Lenovo "value-added" software. The problem here is that there's probably some software that is genuinely useful.

A third approach is to somehow force Lenovo to fix the problem, since it's their mistake. They already can use their own propriety purple <Fn> key, to make all the private key-combinations they will ever need. They really have no need to start co-opting legal Windows key combinations.

The fourth approach is to return the machine (there are 2 days left in the 21 day return period). Unfortunately, that would mean losing the many days I've invested in configuring the new machine.

Suggestions anyone?

Hi,

I'm not shure I can offer you a solution, which will resolve this issue within 2 days.
From the top of my head:
- I read some discussions about switching the Fn with the Ctrl keys from within that BIOS. So you might find a useful setting there.
- There might also be a keyboard mapping tool lurking around among those new ThinkVantage tools.
- The next I would try is to make an image of your HDD using something like Acronis True image (or even dd :), and then trying uninstalling all the ThinkVantage tools you don't need

- Contacting Lenovo Support is a nightmare, which I know from my own multiple experience. (Only the old, left over IBM Service division in Austria is excellent, if you can get through to them.)
- - Try writing to http://forums.lenovo.com/, which will first trigger some imbecile Lenovo power posters, if you then give them a harsh reply, you will probably get the attention of Mark Hopkins, who can move some things, as it seems.
- - also try posting on http://forum.thinkpads.com, there someone might have alread solved this problem, or might know what is causing the problem. IMHO, this forum is the utlimate place for Thinkpad experts.

HTH

So far I've learned that threatening the technician with returning the machine is ineffective. The same threat to the salesman works. (I bluff really.) Now I've been granted an extended return period, so I can relax and try and sort things out.

Thanks Joho for those excellent suggestions. I've made posts to both forums.

Is there any chance you could install Dyalog try Shift-Esc on another new Thinkpad with Windows7, e.g. a T510?

I also have experience with the Thinkpad X100e (AMD Neo) which is the little brother of the X201s (Intel I7). It works fine.

I haven't yet had a reply from either of those forums. I'm afraid that the degree of response will be a function of the number of applications that use <Esc+Shift> key. Not a very encouraging thought. :-( :-( :-(

Thanks Joho, your sage advice from last spring just bore fruit. Posting to http://forum.thinkpads.com solved the problem. The incubation period was 10 months, but success is success and it's great to have my Thinkpad keyboard working again in standard fashion.

Intel software turns out to have been the culprit for stealing the <Shift+Esc> key combination.

If anyone has a new Intel PC (especially a Thinkpad) which swallows <Shift+Esc>. You can either use MSCONFIG to disable the "PIconSta Application" or

Run "Intel Management and Security Status" from the Start button and go to the "Intel AMT" tab. There you will see that Intel has chosen to use <Shift+Escape> as the default "Disconnection hot key" for one of its "Support sessions".

All this is exhaustively described in:

C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel(R) Management Engine Components\IMSS\Intel(R)_IMSS_User_Guide.pdf