Asus Netbook EEE PC 1005HAB

[Jintan]

Welcome to Malware Crypt udstudio,

Is the primary problem the same one of the system time being incorrect? Given Aaflac's success with replacing the CMOS battery, kinda makes me wonder if Asus did in fact replace yours. Especially with it having the same problem upon return. Or one that had been shelved too long, and was no longer good. Info like this isn't a good sign though, where so many of your model are available as "refurbs". "What" needed "refurb" often is pretty important.

I assume your returns to Asus indicate the computer is still under warranty. Each of those are different - do you know if you yourself replacing the CMOS battery would void it?

[udstudio]

Hi, thanks for the thoughtful response. Yeah, its exactly the same problem and I asked them directly after the second visit if they had indeed replaced the CMOS battery. I was told that they did replace it. I suspect you are correct, that if they did replace it, it was old and/or very weak.

Actually, my netbook isn't under warranty, but I don't trust that I could perform the surgery described in the various posts (and the Asus repair outlet is about 20 minutes away on the subway). I've sent them an email asking for their recommendation for a next step and whether this is possibly beyond the capability of their tech support. It will be interesting to hear the reply.

I'm only into this for about $30 so far, plus two trips downtown. If they can't fix it, I can still use the machine, I just have to go through the manual boot-up each time and not use the clock. Unfortunately, I like the computer and it has worked quite well up to now. I'll let you know how this turns out . . .

Cheers . . .

[udstudio]

The local Asus service store suggested that I call the factory service help line! Given that the service facility can't seem to solve this problem, it seems pretty unlikely that the help line will magically solve it. I think my only course is to order a replacement CMOS battery and install it myself. Hmmm . . .

[Jintan]

Missed you had posted again. Sounds like a good idea. With Aaflac's recent successful battery exchange, perhaps she might help you with any questions that arise.

[udstudio]

Thanks Jintan . . . As it turns out, I sent a written request to Asus customer support. They responded that I should send in my computer and they would check out the CMOS battery. As you can imagine, I didn't immediately send it back to the factory service center. I haven't decided whether I'll take on the surgery myself, or send it back. I'll keep you posted . . .

[Jintan]

Let us know - admittedly, for the moment it doesn't seem critical, but system time can be a big factor in some install scenarios, among a slew of other issues as well.

[udstudio]

Yeah, you're right, it isn't critical. So far I just add the F2 step during boot-up and I manually update the clock each time. I suspect I'll get annoyed at some point and attempt a fix . . .

Thanks again for the advice . . .