AO725 - Hangs when moving

Hi!! I have this weird situation. After some months (about a year) of not using this laptop, I started using it for browsing and light work. First I noticed that was randomly freezing... Screen stuck, no mouse movement, no hard disk led. Only holding the power button for some seconds to turn it off.

After testing different situations, found that it happens when I move the computer... not talking about heavy shakes. Regular movement like when taking from a desk to your lap.

That is what I have tested already:
-Bios updated to latest version.
-Temperatures monitoring (CPU's and disk under 40ºC)
-RAM tests ok (mem86+ and Windows Memory Diagnostics)
-Ram modules out, cleaned contacts and back in.
-Reinstalled Windows (twice -> Win 8.1 and also Win 7).
-Tested with a different hard disk.

Any ideas or information of being a known issue? Thanks!

Accepted answers

Commodore_1995#

First I would like to point out that this may be a hardware problem!

Before upgrading the drivers, make sure that removing the battery and pressing the power button for thirty seconds solves the problem!
Then turn on the notebook with the battery disconnected and move the netbook to see if it freezes with the battery disconnected:

Make sure the RAM memory and the wlan are connected correctly! Also check the hd connection:

If the problem still remains, enable system protection and verify that updating the drivers with the driverbooster or through the Acer website solves the problem: https://download.cnet.com/Driver-Booster/3001-18513_4-75992725.html?part=dl- and https://www.acer.com/ac/pt/BR/content/support-product/4253?b=1
Remembering that the drivers provided by Acer are optimized for your model! I would try before downloading the manufacturer's drivers!

All comments

Commodore_1995#

First try this:

1) unplug the notebook completely, and then disconnect the battery from the notebook. Then press the power button for thirty seconds to eliminate any trace of static power.

2) Check if updating the drivers with the driverbooster, solves the problem!

Did your notebook come with windows 8 or 7? For which version did you update the bios? 1.08 or 2.12?

wis

Most likely the laptop shipped with Windows 7, 64 bit & the BIOS firmware would have been closer to version 1.08 rather than 2.12.
Does reversion to BIOS version 1.08 help?

Commodore_1995#

I do not think it's a good idea to try to downgrade a version of bios with uefi (2.xx) to a version without uefi (1.xx) in case the notebook came with the version of bios 2.xx!

wis

There is only the BIOS version 1.08 for Windows 7, 32 bit or 64 bit, on the AO725 driver download page.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/uh/3bhlzq44x91p.png

Commodore_1995#

The main difference @wis, is that the models that came with windows 7, do not have the mode uefi and so have the bios in version 1.xx! The models that came with windows 8, have uefi mode and bios version 2.xx

HkMatata

Hi.. This one came shipped with Windows 8. Anyways I also tried with Win7 just in case.

About the Bios, is currently with v2.12, as you said, because it came 2.xx being a win8 version.

Where can I get that Driverbooster? To be sure to get the right one. Still, being a movement related issue I'm not so sure that might be a driver related issue, but I'll try any option.

Commodore_1995#

First I would like to point out that this may be a hardware problem!

Before upgrading the drivers, make sure that removing the battery and pressing the power button for thirty seconds solves the problem!
Then turn on the notebook with the battery disconnected and move the netbook to see if it freezes with the battery disconnected:

Make sure the RAM memory and the wlan are connected correctly! Also check the hd connection:

If the problem still remains, enable system protection and verify that updating the drivers with the driverbooster or through the Acer website solves the problem: https://download.cnet.com/Driver-Booster/3001-18513_4-75992725.html?part=dl- and https://www.acer.com/ac/pt/BR/content/support-product/4253?b=1
Remembering that the drivers provided by Acer are optimized for your model! I would try before downloading the manufacturer's drivers!

HkMatata

Final update.

-First, tested connected to the power supply and no battery, but still got frozen.
-Uptaded drivers with Driver Booster 6 (link provied by egydiocoelho ) and after it seemed hold some movement, still was having the issue.
-Fianlly, opened back cover and removed RAM (cleaned contacts again) and WiFi module (same with contacts) and installed back again.

After the final step the computer hasn't got stuck since.. I had moved with long and short movements, not enough of course to damage HDD, and everything is looking good.

Thanks for all your help!