xmodmap maps keyboard unusable

Binary package hint: xmodmap

Ubuntu (8.04?|8.10|9.04|9.10|10.4alpha2)

I have an xmodmap file which enhances missing keys on my notebooks keyboard.

Since hardy heron loading that xmodmap file makes the keyboard unusable. I prefered continuing with Ubuntu 7.10 (gutsy gibbon) up to now for this reason.

For reporting this bug I did some searchiing an exploring to give useful information.

An easy way to see the effects of buggy xmodmap keymapping is the "xkeycaps" tool which is part of the repository.

to reproduce do the following steps:

1. install and call xkeycaps

2. select (if not done automatically) your keyboard (PC | 105 keys, wide Delete, tall Enter | Xfree86; US) in my case.

3. move the mouse over right "Ctrl" key

in the upper area the values of that key are displayed.

4. If on Ubuntu (8.10|9.04|9.10|10.4alpha2) You will see:
KeyCode Ctrl 0x6D 109 155
KeySym Linefeed NoSymbol Linefeed

5. You should see instead:
KeyCode Ctrl 0x6D 109 155
KeySym Control_R

6. Hit the right "Ctrl" key - the tagged key will be displayed yellow
 If on Ubuntu (8.10|9.04|9.10|10.4alpha2) You will see:
 The *page down* key is tagged with correct values in the upper area - miracle? ;o))

You should see instead:
the *right "Ctrl"* key tagged yellow with correct values in the upper area

move the mouse on several keys (delete, arrow up ...) and enjoy :o))