Friday 6 August 2021

Work Backup Device - Azulle Access 4


Azulle Access 4

WARNING - DEVICE NOT RECOMMENDED

  • After Win10 update the device becomes unstable (BSOD restart loop after 'Driver Power State Error', with updates getting to the dreaded 42%).
  • Pretty sure it is a network adapter driver problem as the wireless network and ethernet options both become non-functional (even if it says there's an internet connection)
  • The problem can be temporarily fixed with a factory reset (instructions below) but then Win10 updates cause the problem to recur. Maybe it will be fixed in future who knows?
  • Product support from the company was unhelpful and unprofessional. I told them I tried the factory reset. They said, hey try this factory reset procedure. I said, yeah I've done that 3 times. They said nothing. Now I'm leaving this review.
Specifications
  • Intel Celeron J4125 @2.00GHz
  • 4GB LPDDR4 RAM
  • 64GB eMMC Storage
  • Intel HD Graphic 600
  • Intel AC3165 Dual Band WiFis / Bluetooth 4.2
  • 1Gb Ethernet
  • HDMI Out (with an HDMI extension cable)
  • 1xUSB 3.2, 1xUSB C (have not yet tested dual monitor as the USB C to HDMI adapter isn't included), Micro SD slot up to 512GB
  • Power 5V/3A
  • 13cm x 5cm x 2cm, 580g
  • Win10 Pro

Anyway the device can probably be used with a minimal Win10 install for business continuity purposes

  • Disable Win10 updates using Local Group Policy (Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Disabled)
  • Uninstall bloatware - Xbox, Skype, Office365 trial, OneNote, OneDrive, Solitaire
  • Enable system restore
  • Install
  • Set restore point
  • Leave disgruntled review


Further Info:
New Monitor(s)


Factory Reset Procedure (warning - will wipe the hard drive)
  • Download the 6GB restore media file, which requires FTP (2020 called they want their file transfer protocol back)
  • Format a USB drive as NTFS and named WINPE
  • Unzip the restore media and copy over to the USB drive
  • Power down the Azulle Access 4 device and insert the USB drive
  • Restart the Azulle Access 4 device and press F7 to access the bios (password is 0000)
  • Select the USB drive from the one-time boot menu
  • Wait a while for the process to run then hopefully you should be back to a clean install of Win10