Bootup problems....

ID:190627
 
Dec 29 2002, 4:06 pm (Edited on Dec 29 2002, 4:15 pm)
Does anyone know how to fix this problem, I get a message at bootup:

CMOS/GPNV Checksum Bad

Then it tells me to click F1 to correct it or whatever, or F10 to bootup without correcting(I think it might be ESC to bootup without correcting). Now it wont let me bootup without correcting, and so I click F1 to reconfigure, everything checks out ok but then when I exit and save, it restarts but gives me the error again, if I reset and don't save changes then it will go to a loading screen and not bootup, then when it does the loading screen I click CTRL+ALT+Delete to restart it again and it works fine. Anybody know how to correct the error though?[EDIT] I'm running Windows XP


<<>>Kusanagi<<>>
Dec 30 2002, 2:41 am
Often settings are kept on a chip (a CMOS chip of course) that is designed to store data even when the power goes away. Some types of CMOS chips - like some BIOS chips - use a little battery to keep power to the chip for things like keeping the date and time correct.

It is possible, in your case, that this 'clock battery' also keeps the CMOS settings alive - and it may be dying or dead. Look into replacing that battery. Often it looks like a little watch battery, or a really short AAA or AAAA battery (maybe 1cm max). With the comp off *and* unplugged, remove the battery (should be in a battery holder of some sort) and take to your local computer repair shop. They ought to be able to replace it for you pretty cheaply - $4-$10 is about the average range I think.

If the battery is soldered (a kind of welding) onto the board, then you'll need to take it into the shop to have them replace it for you - unless you are confident in soldering techniques yourself. But I don't recommend it unless you have experience with circuit board maintenance.
Dec 30 2002, 3:04 am
In response to digitalmouse
I came to the conclusion that the battery was going out, or had gone out myself... but it seems unlikely since this PC isn't even but 5 months old, and aren't the batteries supposed to last for a few years?


<<>>Kusanagi<<>>
Dec 30 2002, 5:36 am
In response to Kusanagi
Well i have a computer that it has lasted over 5 years. 5 months is a little short, maybie it was just a bad battery.