[SOLVED] Netbook boot screen before loading

[LLfan]

I have installed Linux Lite on an Asus eee PC (Netbook) and it works fine.
The only issue is when booting.
I always get the following screen.

When I press F2 it goes into BIOS then I just press ESC and it loads and all is well.
Does anyone know why I'm getting this screen when I boot?
Thanks.

[stevef]

The only issue is when booting.
I always get the following screen.

If you boot the computer up as usual, then restart it without powering down do you still get the screen on the restart ?

Does anyone know why I'm getting this screen when I boot?

That screen appears if BIOS settings are invalid when the system boots up.

When I press F2 it goes into BIOS then I just press ESC and it loads and all is well.

Does pressing ESC involve saving the settings ?  If not try saving the settings before exiting BIOS.
The BIOS settings are held in memory which is supported by a small battery.  If the system is old, it is possible that the battery can no longer maintain power to the memory so even if you save the settings, they may be lost on power down.

If you search for your model and the words 'replace bios battery' you should find more information on what battery and connectors you'd need and maybe instructions on how to strip the system down to be able to replace it.  The battery itself may be fairly cheap, but taking a notebook apart can be tricky.

[LLfan]

The only issue is when booting.
I always get the following screen.

If you boot the computer up as usual, then restart it without powering down do you still get the screen on the restart ?

Does anyone know why I'm getting this screen when I boot?

That screen appears if BIOS settings are invalid when the system boots up.

When I press F2 it goes into BIOS then I just press ESC and it loads and all is well.

Does pressing ESC involve saving the settings ?  If not try saving the settings before exiting BIOS.
The BIOS settings are held in memory which is supported by a small battery.  If the system is old, it is possible that the battery can no longer maintain power to the memory so even if you save the settings, they may be lost on power down.

If you search for your model and the words 'replace bios battery' you should find more information on what battery and connectors you'd need and maybe instructions on how to strip the system down to be able to replace it.  The battery itself may be fairly cheap, but taking a notebook apart can be tricky.

Thanks stevef.
Restarting without booting down did come back OK without the screen appearing.
I think you may have the solution with the battery.
When the system starts I noticed that the date and time are incorrect but then are corrected after a few seconds.
So I'll look into changing the battery.
I'll reply with the result (if I manage to change it!!).

[LLfan]

I found what's needed to change the battery and I reckon there are too many things that could go wrong!
I'll leave it as it is, it's only two extra keyboard presses after all.
Thanks again stevef.

[stevef]

It can look a bit daunting. If there is a local repair facility - perhaps a commercial shop or a community/volunteer 'repair cafe' type group - they might be able to help.

[LLfan]

I'm happy as it is.
I mainly use a desktop and iPad (with a laptop as a backup).
The netbook is now really just a plaything!
BTW I looked up when I bought it,  July 2008!!

[LLfan]

I decided to take the plunge and replace the CMOS battery.
My Asus eee PC is a Flare Series model where the keyboard is part of the body which was quite fiddly to remove but once it was removed there was no other part to remove (apart from the battery and 5 screws).

[stevef]

Did the new battery fix the problem ?

[LLfan]

Did the new battery fix the problem ?

Yes it did,  no boot screen at startup, and date/time correct when desktop appears.
I'd been looking at how to replace the CMOS battery for Asus eee PCs which involved a lot of dismantling which put me off.
Then I realised it was a Flare Series model which has a different cover with the keyboard built in.