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    Wierd C90s problem

    Discussion in 'Asus' started by Skyhawk, Apr 25, 2008.

  1. Skyhawk

    Skyhawk Notebook Enthusiast

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    So, I've had a C90s since late August, and other than the typical C90s problems (can't use 3GB RAM or Wi-Fi, laptop shuts down or BSOD when it goes to screensaver or hibernation) I haven't had any major technical problems... until now.

    Basically when I woke up this morning my laptop had shut off by itself and when I restarted it, it was acting as though it was on battery (no cord picture on the battery in the bottom right, Turbo Gear started in Power Saver) but the battery power wasn't draining. I then tried unplugging the power to see what would happen... and the laptop shut off. I also couldn't start it without the power cord plugged in.

    So to summarize... when my C90s is on, it only acts like it runs on battery. But in reality, it will only run plugged in. Any ideas?
     
    Skyhawk, Apr 25, 2008
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  2. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    Are you using XP or Vista? Did you install anything new on your computer lately? Try running your last known good configuration and see if that'll work.If it doesn't, try updating your bios and wifi driver.
     
    David, Apr 25, 2008
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  3. Skyhawk

    Skyhawk Notebook Enthusiast

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    Vista. And no, I haven't installed any new software, though I recently did install a replacement keyboard after a couple of keys broke. I'll try updating to the 902 bios as soon as I can.
     
    Skyhawk, Apr 25, 2008
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  4. Skyhawk

    Skyhawk Notebook Enthusiast

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    Updated the bios, still having the same problem. I'm thinking (and hoping, I suppose) it's a dead battery or possibly a broken power supply, though I'm not entirely sure.
     
    Skyhawk, Apr 25, 2008
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  5. E.B.E.

    E.B.E. NBR Procrastinator

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    Sounds like the ATK (power management) drivers are messed up? Try reinstalling those...

    To eliminate software/Windows problems, you could try running on batt and on mains in a Live Linux distro such as Knoppix. If it does the same thing it's probably hardware/firmware.

    It can of course be firmware (on the battery for instance; probably not BIOS since you updated that...)

    Or some hardware fault in the charging/power circuitry that confuses the ATK software.

    In the latter two cases you need to RMA, I think...
     
    E.B.E., Apr 25, 2008
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  6. Skyhawk

    Skyhawk Notebook Enthusiast

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    Updated the ATK drivers and still no relief. Ugh, I think I may just resort to formatting, and then if that doesn't work calling ASUS and crossing my fingers they'll have a solution or send me a new battery/power supply... unlikely though.
     
    Skyhawk, Apr 25, 2008
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  7. E.B.E.

    E.B.E. NBR Procrastinator

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    Before you do that, try this:
    If it does it in Linux it'll save you the trouble of reinstalling the Windows for nothing (since then the problem is not caused by software).
     
    E.B.E., Apr 26, 2008
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  8. Skyhawk

    Skyhawk Notebook Enthusiast

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    So a couple months later, reformatted, tried a new battery/power supply... nothing. RMA'ing seems to be my only option, though losing my laptop for 2-3 weeks is going to be hell. Any last second ideas before I ship it to Asus? I'll try anything at this point.
     
    Skyhawk, Jun 19, 2008
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  9. E.B.E.

    E.B.E. NBR Procrastinator

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    Besides the Linux idea (which loses some of its strength given you already reinstalled Windows and the problem is still there), perhaps just changing the BIOS: upgrade, downgrade.

    If you're in the US it'll take less at most a week, from what I see on the forums.
     
    E.B.E., Jun 19, 2008
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  10. JCMS

    JCMS Notebook Prophet

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    Asus' laptops service in north america is 48-hour turnaround with overnight shipping. When I RMAed my 8600M GT last fall, it came at their wharehouse at 10AM and the replacement unit was in my hand the afternoon :)
     
    JCMS, Jun 19, 2008
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  11. Skyhawk

    Skyhawk Notebook Enthusiast

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    Alright, thanks for the responses. Tried rolling back the BIOS with no luck, so it looks like I'll have to send it out soon.
     
    Skyhawk, Jun 19, 2008
    #11