A8Js Problem: Auto Hibernate (Help!)

Hello all,

I've bought a new ASUS A8Js (Core2Duo T7200 / 14.1'' / 1Gb / 120Gb / GF Go7700) a couple of days ago, from memoryexpress.com. From the very beginning and up to now the problem is: the laptop is constantly going into hibernation without any visible reasons (if hibernation is turned off - it shuts down).

It doesn't seem to depend on cpu/video load (tested), doesn't depend on specific outlet (tested), doesn't depend on wifi or whatever else (tested everything); notebook stays on AC power with fully charged battery. The periods between hibernation are kind of random, it can shut down twice per minute or stay on for half a day.

Moreover, after it shuts down, the red led is almost always on or blinking (the first means the battery is slightly discharged (can this happen with laptop being connected to ac power and battery being initially 100% charged??) and charging, the second means it's critically discharged (??) and there is no (??) AC power). That red led is also turning on sometimes while laptop is working - it seems also weird to me, as battery is not supposed to be used.

But the main problem is auto-hibernation, just out of sudden. I checked winxp power settings, there is 'critical power action' set to hibernate, I cancelled it. Then I set power scheme to 'always on' with "never hibernate".. and still it doesn't help.. I checked literally everything that can trigger shutdown/hibernation. I called ASUS - they say they don't have any ideas. I'll try calling the store tomorrow.

Any guesses / ideas?

 

Does it do the same thing on AC power and on battery?

 

Can't say - most likely yes, though I used it on AC power mostly.

I'll test it on battery now.

 

Have you tried reformatting and reinstalling windows? That could give you a good idea if this is a software issue. If that doesn't sound like a good option, a live CD for linux would give you similar results.

 

Well, the question is - WHY the hell is it hibernating and should the red led be on or not when it's plugged into an outlet.

I didn't reformat Windows, just removed some bloatware (left only powergear, splendid, wlan console etc)

As it seems to me, there could be troubles with battery power meter. I just can't guess.

 

Did you try completely disabling hibernation in the WinXP power management options (last tab I think) ?

Could be some nasty spyware/virus .. you have protection against these ? Try running a full scan.

Cheers.

 

Aldanor,

My guess would be that you have a hardware fault. This behavior is not even close to normal. The only time the battery charge light comes on for me is when the battery is charging. That's it. If the battery is fully charged it doesn't come on at all.

If I had access to them, I'd try using a different battery first and see if that fixes the problem. Then if it didn't I'd try a different memory stick. Otherwise I would send it back for replacement or service.

Lastly you could try fully discharging the battery and then recharging it completely and see if that fixes this screwy behavior. But since you just got it, I'd be inclined to send it back.

Good Luck..

 

I am just going to repeat that a Live CD test could easily tell you if this is hardware or software, just get a linux Live CD and run that for a while, if it crashes or shuts down, faulty hardware, if it runs and never does that, faulty software.