[UNSOLVED] Asus Taichi back screen (lid) not working AGAIN after windows 8.1 update 1

Anonymous

JP8851 has provided a new BIOS version for people who have the Taichi21 or 21a (answer marked below) . The BIOS version is not official yet, however, and many users are reporting problems with the BIOS update such as USB problems, pen digitizer problems and audio problems. Therfore I have still marked this problem unsolved, but the first answer below may work for you.

Original question:

THIS IS A PROBLEM YET AGAIN.

ASUS, MICROSOFT, AND INTEL: HUNDREDS (IF NOT THOUSANDS) OF USERS ARE FRUSTRATED BY YOUR LACK OF SUPPORT AND COMPATIBILITY CHECKS WITH EVERY UPDATE. WHY SHOULD A $1000+ LAPTOP BE NEGLECTED THE PROPER "V.I.P." SUPPORT WE WERE PROMISED? PLEASE FIX THIS PROMPTLY, IT IS FRUSTRATING FOR THE USERS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT GOES WRONG EVERY TIME WINDOWS UPDATES.

Note:

Previously, the Asus Taichi had problems with the back screen not working after the windows 8.1 update. Recently, Micrsosoft released a NEW UPDATE that ruined the fix mentioned below, and all the supposedly long term fixes Asus made with the bios updates and the graphics driver updates.

This problem had originally been solved for windows 8.1 (without update 1) by downloading the following old graphics driver from the asus website:

http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/nb/DriversForWin8/VGA/VGA_Intel_Taichi_Win7_64_Win8_64_Z917102857.zip

***It is noted that if the problem keeps coming back after installing this driver, you may have to change your Windows and Intel Driver update setting and turn off auto updating.

Other notes: This driver downgrade solves the issue with the lid not working, but some users have reported that many smaller problems arise after downgrading. Therefore, this solution is not completely stable, but it is a lot better than any other solution currently available and solves the main issue.

Original comments: After updating to windows 8.1, the back screen of my Asus Taichi does not work properly. After doing some searching, I read there were numerous problems with the Taichi after the update, all driver related.

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous

This is great news... Glad it's working with Intel 3412 as I have that installed already on my 21A. If Asus send out the new Bios for the 21A I will share it and ask the same from anyone who receives it please.

Well people, ASUS has come through with the new Bios for Taichi 21 & 21A. They emailed me the zip files this afternoon. Took me a couple hours to backup and test before posting.

The 21 takes Bios 211 and 21A takes 205. I've uploaded them here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mxb1trbbctlnjm3/TAICHI21AS.211.zip

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5ztcmga0mbv40i5/TAICHI21AAS.205.zip

To check which Bios you need if you haven't checked already is to reboot and press F2 until you see the Bios screen. When displayed, press F12 and the Bios you have will scroll through in the lower right hand corner of the screen. Use the 2420 version of Winflash from the Asus support site.

After flashing the firmware Bios to 205 on my 21A, I installed 8.1 Update from Windows Update and my screen is working correctly.

Thumbs up Asus.

Ironically the Bios was dated 21/4/14. Seems Asus has had this fix for a while and probably testing before releasing so I don't feel like a guinea pig. But I do feel some of you owe Asus a small apology for some of the comments aimed at them despite it taking too long to come through. In any case, I'm not reactivating auto-updates in Windows Updates.

Good luck people and the usual disclaimer applies to using these files. Caveat Emptor...

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Anonymous

I had the same problem. It started after some time. Twice I've tried to install and the same problem.

After a long hard working weekend I moved again to win 8 and stay there for now.

P.s: it is not the only issue unresolved. Juniper concoction disconnecting is another.

What a mess..

I agree, this update is a complete mess. I was able to resolve the issue with the lid by downloading an old graphics driver from the asus website. Heres the link to download the driver: http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/nb/DriversForWin8/VGA/VGA_Intel_Taichi_Win7_64_Win8_64_Z917102857.zip

The driver is older, so if you would rather just reinstall windows 8, I found that you just do a restore or refresh in the system settings. Thanks for your help again.

***It is noted that if the problem keeps coming back after installing this driver, you may have to change your Windows and Intel Driver update setting and turn off auto updating.

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691 additional answers

Anonymous

2014-04-25T16:22:17+00:00
Okay, I have an update to the disable closed lid on start up band-aid solution and I also know for a fact what the issue is. I can't post the update right now as I am at work and I want to do a proper step by step guide so no one gets lost. However I will post the pros and cons below.

The Issue

The screens are working fine with 8.1.1(8.1 Update 1). The close lid application is actually working as well or at least for the most part. What isn't working is the VGA drivers ability to turn the backlight on/off for the second screen when the lid is closed/open. I couldn't find a solution when I was editing the registry for this and cleaning out the registry of bad entries doesn't seem to have any positive affect either.

Updated Band-aid

Pros
1. The screens will switch automatically when you close or open the lid.
2. Switch screens using the Taichi Home button works.
Cons
1. You have to boot the device with the lid closed.
2. If the computer goes to sleep either by flicking the power button or being afk the outside screen will not turn on until a reboot with the lid closed
3. You have to switch to extended display after login and then open the lid to use the internal screen and click a program shortcut(you only have to do this once every boot afterward normal screen switching features work)
4. The external touch screen backlight will remain on even if you just want to use the internal screen(This will likely cut down how long the battery will have a charge) (The simple solution is if you plan to use only the internal screen for a long period is to flip the touch screen switch, just remember it won't turn back on in a usable state till reboot with the switch reversed.)
I think that sums it up. I don't have a second taichi to test this on so I can't make any promises, but i was able to reproduce the results on my machine. I would only recommend the future guide for those of us that are stuck between 8 and 8.1.1. Those with just 8.1 should wait till an official fix is available.

I'll try to post the guide soon, I'm hoping around Noon Saturday CST. Sorry I can't get the guide ready sooner.
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Anonymous

2014-04-25T16:43:42+00:00

It is a shame that you and some others are putting so much effort into making this computer usable, and the offical support of Asus are just shooting blinfolded to the air.

Thanks for these workarounds! I will test it in my Taichi when you post to see if it reproduces in my machine aswell
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Anonymous

2014-04-25T17:25:15+00:00

Thank you very much indeed for your efforts. You should invoice Asus for your time ;-).

Im am lucky enough to be just in 8.1. I purchased my Taichi 31 in february, and applied all the fix published by Asus before moving to 8.1, everything was fine, and I had a valid restore point at that time. When 8.1.1 flipped in April and everything was screwed up, noting that Asus was simply not answering my questions, I went back to the restore point, and now wait for an update.

The Taichi is a great idea and a wonderful machine, however Asus proved to be really bad in supporting their products. I also have a Transformer Prime TF201, totally unsupported by Asus after release. No updates at all and stuck on Android 4.1.2, when 4.4.2 is out there...

I will never purchase Asus again...
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