[solved] "the data in the EC or EC flash might be corrupted"

cfr · 2023-10-27 05:02:20

This is not Arch-specific because the machine doesn't get that far.

At power on, the screen displays an error. Specifically, it says

the data in the EC or EC flash might be corrupted

It then recommends contacting ASUS and announces its intention to shutdown in 15 seconds. It proceeds to do so.

This is an ASUS F1A75-VEVO motherboard and is rather old.

Searching the error online turns up various suggestions for ASUS motherboards, generally having to do with problems getting this error at installation.

I'm guessing this means the motherboard is dead, but could it be something else such as a CMOS battery or corrupt UEFI? Is it worth trying to flash the firmware or replace the battery?

Note that I'm asking these questions as if I know what I'm talking about. I know what firmware and UEFI are, but, aside from the fact that such things exist, I know nothing about CMOS batteries.

I want to be honest about the fact that, even when the machine was running something, that something was not Arch and it is not my machine. I'm asking here because I can't imagine anything about the OS or bootloader has any relevance at this point but, if I'm wrong about that, I apologise in advance.

Last edited by cfr (2023-10-27 16:31:29)

ewaller · 2023-10-27 14:15:59

Replacing the CMOS battery is worth a try. Not sure how you would update the flash if the system is shutting itself off. Unless you can get the pre-boot menu?

cfr · 2023-10-27 16:30:59

New CMOS battery fixed it, thanks.

Arch Linux

#1 2023-10-27 05:02:20

[solved] "the data in the EC or EC flash might be corrupted"

#2 2023-10-27 14:15:59

Re: [solved] "the data in the EC or EC flash might be corrupted"

#3 2023-10-27 16:30:59

Re: [solved] "the data in the EC or EC flash might be corrupted"

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