Unknown keyboard layout disk encryption. unable to unlock system

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1

Ubuntu Version:
Lubuntu 24.04 LTS

Desktop Environment (if applicable):
LXQT

Problem Description:
I am trying to install Lubuntu to a flash drive, and I have chose to erase the flash drive and enable disk encryption, so the partitioning is automatic. However after the install I get a keyboard icon and a “no” next to it. I know the text next to it represents the layout, however, I didn’t change any of my keyboard or locale settings. everything is in english US.

Furthermore, unlocking the drive works when booted from another system. When trying to boot into the flashdrive it won’t accept my password. I think this is because of the keyboard layout but I am not sure.

I tried keymap=us in the grub kernel params editor, it didnt work. mounting the drive i can see that /etc/vconsole.conf has indeed the us mapping.

My question:
What is the “no” keyboard layout, and why cannot I unlock my system installed on the flashdrive when booting, but can when mounting it from an already running system.

Relevant System Information:
Thinkpad Laptop

Error message
The generic password incorrect, bad options, wrong fstype message. No matter if the password entered is correct or not

2

The little keyboard symbol you see at the passphrase prompt is showing the keyboard layout that initramfs loaded for the early-boot console.

no is the ISO code for Norwegian. So the password you type is being interpreted with a Norwegian layout, while you created it on a U S keyboard. That is why:

  • the drive unlocks fine when you mount it later (normal userspace has the US map);
  • it is rejected when you boot from the flash-drive itself (early boot is using the Norwegian map).

Quick way to fix it

Boot the stick on any system where you can unlock it (or chroot into it).
Edit the console-keyboard file:

sudo nano /etc/default/keyboard

Make sure it contains

XKBLAYOUT="us"

(delete any no or other codes).

  1. Rebuild the initramfs so that new keymap is baked into the early-boot image:
sudo update-initramfs -u -k all
  1. Reboot from the flash drive. The icon should now say us, and your passphrase will be accepted.

(If you ever see no again you can still get in by typing the passphrase as if your keyboard were Norwegian å, ø, æ are on the[ ; ’ keys, etc.but fixing/etc/default/keyboard is far easier.)