USB Keyboard and mouse randomly stop working in Fedora 12
 

I'm running Fedora 12 on a Shuttle SN78SH7. Updates are all current from the Fedora repositories. I'm using the Nouveau driver for the Shuttle's on-board Nvidia graphics adapter.

At random intervals (1 to 5 times per day), my USB keyboard and the buttons on my USB mouse stop working and the desktop freezes (i.e. GKrellm graphical data stops updating, partially painted windows don't complete). However, I can still move the mouse pointer around the desktop. This only seems to happen when I am actually using the computer from the console. It has never happened while the system was turned on, but not being used.

When the mouse and keyboard stop working, I can log in from another computer via ssh.

Once the computer gets in this state, the only way to fix things is either to reboot remotely using ssh or to cycle power.

I've run low level hardware diagnostics - everything checks out OK. This computer only has USB and firewire inputs. No PS2 jacks.

Any idea what might be going on? I welcome suggestions on how to begin understanding what the problem might be.

Thanks in advance...

Kind of hard to tell. It could be faulty usb or other controller issue with the board and how linux interacts with it.

I guess you could start with some tests. Run maybe F13 live cd for a day or so or other distro or even F12 live. Maybe you can get some clues.


As last resort see if a bios update directly addresses usb or keyboard.


Could try other keyboard or mouse.

Remove usb hub if attached.

Any transmitting devices close? Move away and check that cases are closed fully to help prevent EMI, RFI.