Asus Model: Q501LA-BBI5T03

Thanks, was able to access BIOS and install Ubuntu.

 

Hi guys, I've been following Regli from the SD thread which led me here (there doesn't seem to be much info about this laptop online). On installing Ubuntu and Elementary OS I get stuck at their respective boot screens, right after the grub menu despite secure boot=off and CSM is enabled. I can't even start the install process. Replacing 'quiet splash' with 'nomodeset' does not work.

I've been at this for the greater part of two days...for those who were able to successfully install ubuntu/elementary os would you please provide your steps for this laptop, Asus Q501LA? Thank you in advance!

P.S. At this point, I'm just looking to have ubuntu or elementary os as my primary os.

P.S.S. My laptop is essentially a vegetable right now because I wiped the HDD without backing up the original Asus Factory install :-(.

 

I haven't installed any form of Linux in the Q501LA, so take it with a grain of salt. Hopefully, Linux installers chime in.

I would stay away from a legacy install (CSM disabled) and perform an UEFI install as recommended to C E Jones above. You do need an USB stick though.

 

Great! Thanks a lot for reporting back.

 

I just got this laptop from ebay and it's a nice laptop. But my laptop takes forever to get fully charged. Normally how long should it take to become fully charged?

 

According to the manual a minimum of three hours.

Charge the Notebook PC for 3 hours before using it in battery mode for the first time.

 

I have charged it fully prior. But everytime the battery drains low, it takes more than 3 hours to recharge back to 100%. Is that normal? My other laptops only takes no more than 2 hours.

 

That's not abnormal.

 

Yea, I'm staying away from legacy install...actually I'm going to put the Ubuntu project on hold. I just want to get this laptop running again, so I'll try Windows 8, given that there's more documentation of Windows 8 re-installation or clean install, I think I'll stick with the tried and true to save some headache from getting Ubuntu to install.

So I'm using a USB 3.0 flash drive, and using the Windows 8 iso (en_windows_8_x64_dvd_915440) with Rufus, to set up a USB bootable installation.

My Rufus settings were:
Partition Scheme and target system type: GPT partition scheme for UEFI computer
Files System: FAT32 (Default)
Cluster Size: 16 kilobytes (Default)

My Bios (emulated bios with UEFI?) settings are default with the exception of fastboot=Disabled, launch CSM=Enabled, Launch PXE OpROM policy=Disabled. There is also a section under USB Configuration in the advanced section with two settings: Legacy USB Support=Enabled and XHCI Pre-Boot Mode=Enabled. The latter two are default options, which I assume are fine as is. I read the XHCI Pre-Boot Mode should be disabled if we're doing a Windows 7 installation so I left it as is. Legacy USB Support is just for USB 2.0 right? So I also left it enabled. Bios is version 209, which I got from the Asus website for our Q501LA.

Before I wiped the HDD I did use Belarc Advisor to grab the OEM key, but since the key is embedded in the Bios I'm hoping the installation will go through without a hitch...unless updating the Bios erases the key.

I'll update all as soon as Rufus finishes making the bootable USB.

Thank you Regli and all who read through this novel :/

 

Okay so I proceeded through the installation but encounter an error right when it goes to "preparing files..." @ around 1% I get the following error:

Windows cannot install required files. The file may be corrupt or missing. Make sure all files required for installation are available, and restart the installation. Error code: 0x80070570.

Argh. What to do? Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

 

You are preventing a UEFI install via CSM=Enabled. Disable it and try again.

 

Hi Regli, I have been reading this thread and saw you are very tech savy with this Asus UEFI BIOS, I have an Q550lf which i think is pretty similar to the Q501LA, however maybe you have any idea on what is happening, when trying to do a clean install on mSata.

I want to install in UEFI, on BIOS mSata is correctly detected, USB is created for UEFI it boots correctly, but loads OEM splash screen before installer loads, this is a retail USB, but as soon as Windows installer is loaded the mSata is gone, only the main hard drive is listed. So I have to reboot BUT on reboot the mSata is lost under BIOS, so in order to make it available again I have to turn it off manually and turn it on, then it shows again under BIOS.

Also I have tried to remove the stock hard drive and let only the mSata, again with the same problem. I try also with a Windows 7 DVD and this DOES see the mSata an ready for installation.


However this only happen when trying the Windows 8.1 installation. I already have OS X running on the mSata with out problems, So it seems that the problems it's Windows 8 related or OEM UEFI, you know how to bypass this problem ?

Thanks.

 

So after Disabling CSM, the Windows 8 installation would prompt for a product key which is strange because I thought since it was UEFI mode the embedded key would be read. From Beltrac I then entered the 25 key (not the 20 key ending in OEM) but it said something about not being able to verify. Trying generic keys did not work either.

Then I tried windows 8 with update, same thing happened. Generic Core key doesn't work. I then added ei.cfg to the sources folder in my usb:

[EditionID]
Core
[Channel]
Retail
[VL]
0

which resulted in the following error message:

Windows cannot find the Microsoft Software License Terms. Make sure the installation sources are valid and restart the installation.

I tried researching the issue but all I see turn up is vmware installation having this issue.

Stuck at this point..

 

Did you boot from the UEFI prefixed stick?

 

Certain of it. I configured the Bios as reported in the next paragraph, then inserted the USB drive, then saved changes and restart, followed by holding ESC while the Asus logo comes up to select the only UEFI device labeled "UEFI: Silicon Power 32GB". No other USB peripheral are attached. Hard drive remains unallocated.

Is it possible my USB is bad? It's new, but I don't know what else could be wrong. The BIOS settings are default except for Fastboot which is disabled. CSM is disabled as well. Secure boot too. I'm pretty sure the iso I'm using is correct (en_windows_8_x64_dvd_915440) since core and pro are on the same iso. I believe our version is the core. Should I try to purchase a USB 2.0 drive and start again?

Edit: BTW, I've been creating the USB bootable with Rufus as with the settings as laid out in my previous post on a Windows 7 machine. The curious thing is with the Windows 8 or 8.1 USB created. If I were to insert them back in the Windows 7 system, I'm prompted to reformat...as if it doesn't recognized the usb device. Is this what you would expect?

 

I would try the drive prep on the mSata. Also disable CSM.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/727557-asus-model-q501la-bbi5t03-46.html#post9661965

 

I think that your USB stick is just fine.

I'd like you to restore BIOS defaults.

Can you get to a Command Prompt after booting the stick?

If yes see if UEFI drive prep resolves the issue.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/727557-asus-model-q501la-bbi5t03-46.html#post9661965

Ignore the Reflect drag comment as you are doing a clean install.

Also, Win 7 media does not include USB 3.0 drivers.

 

Could someone help me with this? I've tried various resolution settings and nothing has worked yet...

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

Have you tried this driver?

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/727557-asus-model-q501la-bbi5t03-50.html#post9695034

Let us know.

 

Regli,

Thank you for your support and time. It turned out the flash drive was indeed bad. I was changing RAM and HDD, messing with the Bios, etc, and it all came down to a faulty drive (which I had ironically purchased just for this task because I didn't want to use an old usb that might corrupt the installation).

Windows 8 is up and running. Getting ready to upgrade to Windows 8.1. Given the ordeal (maybe a tad bit dramatic) I went through, I'm not going to bother installing Windows 8.1 with update directly. Now I'm getting the idea of trying Ubuntu again...

Anyway, I hope my posts are able to save someone some unnecessary frustration. Flash drives are inexpensive. The other components and time are not. When in doubt get another flash drive!

 

Great to hear.

Thanks for reporting back!

 

I'll give it a shot. Thanks


UPDATE: that did the trick it seems. Thanks!

 

Double post. Sorry

 

Typical lol, at least it's all up and running now.

 

That driver finally gets HDMI rolling.

 

Just wanted to document how great battery life can be in the Haswell Q501LA with 12GB Ram and a 500GB Samsung 840.

9 hours is clearly possible when turning the display down. Quite impressive!

 

Just in case you are still searching.


Did you update the SSD to the latest firmware?

Feedback Thread: Firmware MU05 for the M500

‎03-25-2014 10:41 AM

Please use this thread to provide any feedback for firmware MU05 for the M500.

Firmware revision MU05 for the Crucial M500 (all form factors) is now available. This firmware update applies to the M500 SSD (all form factors), and should not be applied to any other Crucial SSD model.

Visit this page to download the firmware update: Crucial.com - Support memory (DRAM) and solid state drives (SDD)


Release Date: 03/25/2014

Firmware for the M500 (all form factors) is being updated from version MU03 to MU05. The M500 is updateable to this new firmware starting from previous versions using tools provided by Micron.

This update will be mandatory cut-in for new product built in Micron factories, and is an OPTIONAL update for any drive in the field. For end users, it is recommended if the user is experiencing or wishes to prevent an issue related to the following items.

Version MU05 includes the following changes:

Improved Drive latency performance in applications with SMART polling
Improved Compatibility with 3rd party encryption management software
Corrected Reporting of SMART attribute 196 and 183
Increased thermal throttling response on 960GB Capacity for greater reliability
Corrected Upgrade issues experienced on MU03 by some customers
Numerous Bug fixes and stability improvements

Additional details can be found in the firmware guide

 

Should I buy this laptop refurbished from Amazon? are refurbished laptops generally safe and is the warranty/return policy the same as buying something new?

 

Buying refurbished is a great way to save a lot of money, provided the buyer understands that the big discount he/she gets is "paid for" with a shorter warranty (90 days vs 1 Year) and less support.

In addition, manufacturer customer service levels are generally lower for refurbs.

These systems are ideal for experienced/expert users EXPECTING difficulties and really no place for novice users.

 

We just bought this laptop two days ago for my college bound son and he is having the same issue. I wasn't able to find an answer to the quoted post above so thought I would try again...?

 

Would somebody please show me how to disable Windows 8.1 update from WIndows Store?

I've tried going into regedit and looking for Windowsstore to modify the file but I can't find "windowsstore".

Any help would be appreciated..

 

Try this driver and let us know.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/727557-asus-model-q501la-bbi5t03-50.html#post9695034

 

The easiest way is:

Open Admin command window,

enter: gpedit.msc

this opens the Local Group Policy Editor.

now navigate to:

Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Store

In right pane, double-click on "Turn off the offer to update to the latest version of Windows" option and set its value to "Enabled".

That should do it. Let us know.



BTW are you aware of this?

http://arstechnica.com/information-...ably-means-no-more-service-packs-for-windows/

Microsoft reports on its Support website that Windows 8.1 falls under the Windows 8 lifecycle policy, which ends on January 10, 2023. However, the company also states that Windows 8 customers will have two years to move to Windows 8.1 starting this Friday, AKA the General Availability of the Windows 8.1 update, to remain supported under the Windows 8 lifecycle.

 

Hello.

Thank you for your response.

I have tried opening "run" and typed in gpedit.msc , it said was invalid. So I tried regedit instead, but I cannot find "windowsstore" to modify the file. What can I do? Please help. I don't want windows 8.1. The pop ups for update is getting annoying from Windows Store.

 

Something is not right with your path environment. Also note that you WILL have to upgrade to 8.1.

Again, open an admin command window:

type:

cd \Windows\system32

type:

gpedit.msc


Do you see the policy editor now?

 

"gpedit.msc is not recognized as an internal or external command."

It won't let me.. any ideas?

 

IMO you have a corrupt registry, definitely a bad file association table.

Attempt a repair as described here and then try again.

Default File Associations - Restore in Windows 8

 

Got the refurbished Q501LA yesterday for my girlfriend, really neat piece of hardware for the price, but of course, it turned out to be faulty - the backlight on the keyboard won't work. I tried basically everything except for clean Windows installation and disassembling the whole unit in search for that infamous keyboard ribbon cable that seemed to cause the backlight problem with Asus G73s.

Did anyone manage to fix it? It seems to affect only the refurbished Q501LAs. Anyone tried the ribbon cable supposed-workaround? It seems it might be related, because when trying to enable either the Ambient Light Sensor or increase Keyboard Backlight via ATK Hotkey apps, the enable button and the slide are inactive, as if they couldn't detect the device.

I'm really not into sending it back to the vendor. Recently I've been really lucky with Asus notebooks... I got myself a brand new N550 few days ago. The first unit had issue with optical drive caddy closing like 1 in 5 tries, the 2nd had a very distinctive, crappy sound that made music unlistenable, and the last one, although with no evidence of hardware issues so far, has a really disappointing finish in some places... I was already so frustrated with returning previous units and trying to fix the 2nd one myself, that I kept the last one with finish flaws. Asus finally got me on my frustration.

 

Would you try:

mmc gpedit.msc

instead of just:

gpedit.msc

 

it says file doesn't exist

 

You should restore or reinstall. Anything else is too risky IMO.

 

Just to mention for others in your predicament.

A number of people had to remove the CMOS battery as well as the regular battery combined with a power button discharge to revive their system.

Could somebody with an open system confirm the CMOS battery location, please?



FFTRTD

 

I'm putting in a Crucial M500 in a new Q501LA today. I have not read all the way through this thread and I am doing so now, but anything in particular I should know- any difficulties? The backlit keyboard can be an issue, etc. Anything on the proper steps or procedures would be helpful.

This doesn't look good.

 

I assume that you are the F Series Fishon? Great to see you.

Before giving up make sure you upgrade to the latest M500 firmware,

 

I have has this computer for a couple months and have an observation and a question.
I have had some issues with the keyboard not recognizing some keystrokes. Asus tech support had me reset bios to factory defaults and then shut off the computer, then hold down the power button for about ten seconds. When I turned the computer back on, my keyboard problems were gone.
Here is my question: has anyone else had issues with flash videos being choppy? My computer struggles to play them smoothly and that should not be happening. I have updated all drivers and flash software, and I have also made sure I am in high performance mode both in windows and the intel graphics settings. Any input would be appreciated.

 

Hi all, I have a question: To maintain a healthy battery. In normal usage, should I unplug it at full charge and use it in battery mode, until it drain down to ~30% and plug back in while still continue using it. Or just leave the power plug in the whole time? This is my new laptop upgrade from a 4 years old one. Not sure about new tech in battery nowadays, heard that it is similar to tablet battery. Thanks in advance!

 

I think I solved my own problem. I went into Firefox settings and disabled "hardware acceleration" and that seems to have fixed my flash video issues.

 

That's the optimal use of a battery, but cannot be achieved easily.
You rather just enjoy it whenever you can.
Battery life cycle is about 500 so it can at least last a year.

Have you tried updating flash player instead?
Latest Flash Player update

 

Yes I have updated it to the latest version.

 

How about Intel graphics driver?
Download