G74SX Keyboard backlight disabled

Sometime recently, the keyboard backlight on my G74SX stopped
working. I'm not exactly sure when it happened. I wasn't watching
it too closely. It was working, when my system came back from the
dead (flash reprogram), but it has quit doing so. I have searched the
forums, and tried all of the standard fixes, including ATK package
removal/reinstall, keyboard filter etc. So far, nothing has produced a
change in behavior. At the Window 7 level, Fn-F3/F4 have no effect,
and do not cause any sort of OSD message. All of the other Fn keys
work fine. At the BIOS level, I do not see the keyboard lights flicker
on/off, during the Asus splash screen. This leads me to believe that the
problem is at the BIOS level. It acts like a static memory variable has
been set the wrong way (not sure how), and nothing in the code is
returning it to it's correct value. The only thing I've done recently, is
remove bloatware, so it may have something to do with deleting
Asus applications. I have not dismantled my G74SX, so I do not suspect
that any cables have come loose. During searches, I found this
issue, from the G73 series:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-gaming-notebook-forum/490250-asus-g73jh-keyboard-light-failure-after-bios-flash-209-a-34.html

That problem sounds identical to the one I'm seeing. Assuming Asus did not
completely re-invent the wheel, on the next model, it is possible that the same
problem exists, on the G74SX.

So, has anyone else with a G74SX run into this problem? If so, were you able
to resolve it? Lastly, has anyone tried Gary's G73 fix on the G74SX?

Thanks, in advance, for you help,

Sir Robin

 

Since you report the keyboard lights WERE working after the BIOS flash, I would try entering the BIOS and "Load Optimized Defaults" (F9). As you observed, it is important the lights flash on startup. If they don't, there's nothing that can be done in Windows to bring 'em back.

Alternatively, you could try to reflash the BIOS or check the keyboard light cable connection.

If.that fails, call your nearest ASUS Service Center. They should be able to quickly resolve the issue if it is BIOS-related.

 

Thanks for the feedback dstrakele!

Sounds like the disconnect is somewhere at the BIOS
level. I will play around with it, and see if I can figure out
where the problem lies. If it remains a mystery, I will follow your
advice, and contact the service center.

Sir Robin

 

Okay, my keyboard backlights are on again!

The G74SX appears to be subject to the same problem as the
G73 series. Somewhere, in the BIOS, there is a variable, that, if changed,
causes the backlight support code to be skipped (lack of backlight display
during Asus splash screen). This same code must also be responsible for the
ACPI entry, which tells the windows driver how to handle the Fn key press
events. I suspect this is why windows can not recover the lights, once the
variable is corrupted. I do not yet know the exact cause of the variable
corruption, but I suspect it has something to do with uninstalling Asus
apps, which talk to the ATK driver module. BTW, Asus, if you are reading
this, please update the BIOS to check/initialize the variable, every time the
system is booted.

Here is how I fixed the problem:

1. Asked a buddy (with working backlight) for a snapshot of his working BIOS
code (V202, see below)
2. Updated my BIOS, with his snapshot, using Easyflash (with a FAT32 formatted USB drive)
Upon restart, the keyboard lights turned on and off, during Asus splash screen (yahoo!)
3. Entered setup and restored default values
Lights still worked
4. Updated my BIOS to V203, from the Asus website, using Easyflash
Lights still worked
5. Entered setup and restored default values
Lights still worked
6. Booted into Windows. Lights were off. Pressed Fn + F4, lights came on, OSD
registered the key presses
7. Shutdown and rebooted, all worked as expected, backlight brightness was remembered
8. Made a snapshot of my working BIOS, for future "backlight fixing", if needed

Regarding step #1, it appears that Asus does not update the entire SPI flash,
when you do a BIOS update. It only updates the last 2.5MB of the flash.
This section contains the BIOS code, non-volatile variable storage, bios extensions,
and EC code, etc). This is the stuff that is common among all of the units. The
BIOS update files, available on Asus's website, are snapshots of this 2.5MB area,
with the various data sections initialized to their default values. Using available
tools, you can make a similar snapshot of your working BIOS. This snapshot will include
any Setup changes you've made (current state of any non-volatile variables). It
appears that one of these non-volatile variables stores the keyboard backlight
presence and/or brightness value. If you make a snapshot of a working BIOS, from
a unit, with an operational keyboard backlight, you also get a copy of that correct
variable setting. Unfortunately, the Asus update files do not appear to have
this variable set correctly (not sure how this can be). I originally tried all three
Asus bios images (V201 - V203, using Easyflash). None of them would bring my
backlight back to proper operation. Restoring defaults also did not fix the issue.
Only a working BIOS, from a working backlight unit, would re-enable the backlight.

So here is my recommendation, for anyone who is concerned about this issue,
and is comfortable with BIOS utilities. If your backlight is currently working,
make a snapshot of your working bios. If it ever becomes disabled, you can
use Easyflash, to re-enable it, with your backup copy of the working BIOS.

Here is the thread, which outlines the tools etc:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-gaming-notebook-forum/656498-g74sx-circuit-reprogram-bios-spi-2.html

Sir Robin

 

Hi Sir Robin. can you upload a file of your bios? i do not have a friend with the same laptop as me. (G74sx). I really would like to have my backlights working again!! thanks

 

Hi Burberry,

Sure, I can PM you a copy, but first, perhaps you could
do me a favor? I need some examples of the problem, so
I can track down which variable location is the likely culprit.
Once I have the location(s) nailed down, I can update Gary's
fix, for the G74SX. Would you be willing to send me a snapshot
of your working bios (with the backlights disabled)? It would
also be helpful to know which bios version you are running, and
your full model number. I recommend using PM, to send the image/link.
It is not clear how much system unique info is stored in the working
bios. To make the snapshot, just follow the above link, and use
AFUWIN Aptio version. If you need help running the tool, I can
post instructions.

Do you know what caused the BL's to stop working? Were you
recently removing the bloatware? I'm still trying to figure out what
causes the lights to become disabled. To confirm you are experiencing
the same problem, can you verify that the blacklights do not flash
during the initial Asus splash screen (early bios boot)?

Thanks,

Sir Robin

 

Hi, Sir Robin.

I got exactly the same problem. I have bricked my laptop when updating bios from 202 to 203. Guys from Asus service center fixed it, but now the backlight is completely off (nothing on startup and on fn+f4). Current bios version is 203. So the problem appeared exactly after bios fixture was made in service center I would greatly appreciate if you send me the snapshot with working backlight.
My laptop model is G74SX-DH71. I’m also ready to send you my BIOS snapshot made with APTIO.

 

Hi Evan_M,

Could you please enable private messaging, on your account?
I am not able to send you anything

Sir Robin

 

Sorry, I'm afraid I can't. This FAQ page Laptop Forums and Notebook Computer Discussion - FAQ says that the registered members have private messaging section in their user CP. But I don't have any, only "Settings", Subscripted threads" and "Misc". "Settings" also doesn't contain anything regarding messaging.
Can you please send your snapshot to my email ([email protected]) or to Free large file hosting. Send big files the easy way! ? I would also ask you to describe the correct bios flashing procedure for G74SX as far as I killed mine by using Asus flasher that is available on startup.

 

Sure, I'll try contacting you, via that address.

You should have the ability to enable PM's. Look at top
right corner of your forum window. There should be a
welcome message, along with a summary of your private
messages. If you click that link, it will take you to the
account control page. You can then select "edit options",
to change your PM controls.

Good luck,

Sir Robin

 

The welcome message is there, but it says only "Welcome, Evan_M.
You last visited: Today at 11:10 PM" and no links. Possibly this is due to my newbie status

 

Yeah, I'm not sure if there is a minimum post count, before
a user can PM? I just checked. You can also reach the CP, by
clicking on your name, in one of your posts. Then choose "User CP",
along the top, and then "Edit Options" along the left column. You
can then enable private email from admins and/or other members.

Sir Robin

 

Thnk you a lot for help. The problem is solved. Your scenario worked perfectly! I sent you the snapshots made before and after fixing.

Evan_M

 

Glad it worked for you Evan_M!

I received the files. Thanks again for sending them!
I will go digging for the variable location. If I can find
it, I will update Gary's patch, to support the G74SX series
(if changes are needed).

Sir Robin

 

Hi Sir Robin, I have just recently got my laptop back from Asus service center for a HDMI problem and now my backlight is not working. The backlight was working fine before I sent in the laptop and the service did perform an update on the bios. Will you be so kind to help me get a working bios w/ backlight?

I currently have winbound 25x/q series rom type w/ bios ver. 203

I would PM you, but I can't due to been a noob here. Can you please email me at [email protected]? Thanks.

 

I need the BIOS copy too, if anyone can link or PM a working copy of 203 or 202 I ll be very grateful.

 

hello sir robin, my keyboard lights do not light, you could send me the file you fix vios your problem??? i need your bios =c

 

Be great also to receive that bios

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

 

I would like to receive the "right" BIOS as well!

 

Robin, can you share the "rigth" BIOS please?

 

hi sir robin i have flashed the bios on my g74 sx to version 203 and my kb lights don't work anymore can you help me please to get them working again.
PS sry for my eng ...

maybe you can send me a copy of your bios and tell me haw to do'i right this time so i can get my lights working again ... best regards

 

Hey all !

I know this is old thread. But I have the same issue now, I wish i was computer savy enuff to understand what you are talking about but im not. Could anyone PLEASE help me get my backlights back up and running on my g74s? I know how to get to Bios but from there im lost as to how to check settings and see whats happening. Could someone guide me from that point? Im on Bios 202. All other keys work fined except f3 and f4 with FN key.

 

Hi,

I have a working BIOS file which you need to put onto a USB stick, and use the EasyFlash tool in the BIOS. This has restored the backlight on a number of G74SX laptops that we have.

Please PM me if you need it

 

You can find instructions and the BIOS Rom over at my blog Asus G74SX – Keyboard Backlight Problem | Lee Repair.

 

HI!
I have a simular problem. My f2, f3, f8, f9,f10, f11 and f12 keys are not working. So i can not disable/enable the touchpad, use the volume controll, nor can I controll the keyboard backlight etc. Though I know my backlight is working, as it sometimes is on, like when the pc goes back on from sleep-mode. Also, some buttons on my numpad aren't working, as the calculator button. Have no idea of why or when it happened, but was quite some time ago.
Any help would be much appreciated!
Thanx, in advance.

-Fodifaffa

 

Hi Sir Robin,

Can you send me that G74Sx bios also! Thanks in advance! [email protected]

 

IS it posible Sir Robin to get that g74sx bios working ? I tried wih mine..and it didnt work

Txz in advance...my email is [email protected]

 

I think i may have the same bios problem or a broken cable. But at this point i'd rather swap bios than crack open my laptop again.
so if you see this Sir Robin, could you please message me a linke either on this site or at [email protected]

 

http://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?74028-Asus-G74SX-Keyboard-Backlight-Fix

 

Hi, Sir Robin can you share with me the Bios working backligth, have same problem here with mi asus please.

 

Maxsan you need to read my last post.... if you still can't find it then I can't help you.

 

Hello Sir Robin.
Can you please email me a copy of the BIOS fix for the keyboard backlighting of the G74SX to [email protected] ?
Many thanks and more power to you.

 

Cough!