Q: What is the Embedded Controller?
A: The EC, in Toshiba computers, is a special firmware that provides interfaces for the CPU to communicate with the system chipset.

Q: What is the Keyboard Controller?
A: The KBC is a special firmware that provides interfaces to allow the CPU to communicate with PS/2 keyboards and mice. KBC, among other things, translates a keystroke on the keyboard into a numeric value that the CPU can identify.

Q: When I turn my computer on, I see a message that says: "Ready for EC/KBC update". What does this mean?
A: This can mean only one of two possible things. Either the [Tab] key on your computer is stuck, or your system needs to be serviced.

Q: What should I do if I see this message?
A: First, turn the computer off. If the cause is a stuck [Tab] key, you may be able to un-stick it by tapping the [Tab] key several times. Turn the computer back on. If you don't see "Ready for EC/KBC update", congratulations, you fixed a stuck [Tab] key. If you do see the "Ready for EC/KBC update" message, you should contact a Toshiba Authorized Service Provider and have the system serviced.

You can locate a Toshiba Authorized Service Partner near you at http://pcrepair.toshiba.com, or you can contact Toshiba Support at 1-800-457-7777 and arrange to have your system repaired at the Toshiba Notebook Depot.