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CMOS startup problem

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by bobamatt, 2006/05/14.

  1. 2006/05/14
    bobamatt

    bobamatt Inactive Thread Starter

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    When trying to startup I get "CMOS display type wrong" almost immediately, two options, 1, Press F1 to run setup and 2, Press F2 to load default values and continue.
    No matter which you try it then asks for a password. I have no idea what this is. What can i do?

    Cheers
     
    bobamatt,
    #1
  2. 2006/05/14
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    bobamatt - Welcome to the Board :)

    I assume that a blank password does not work?

    It looks like the BIOS has been passworded at some time - presumably not by yourself.

    The way round this is to reset the CMOS. You will need to open the case (desktop I assume?) - with the computer disconnected from the mains - or switched OFF at the rear of the case if an on/off switch exists - doesn't always.

    The way in which the CMOS is cleared (reset) differs with various types of motherboard - do you know which motherboard you have, do you have a motherboard manual or at least the make and model number of the computer? If you can post that here it would be helpful.

    In general terms the CMOS is cleared by removing the motherboard battery - a small coin sized flat battery on the motherboard (it is possible that your battery needs replacing if the computer is a number of years old.) and shorting out two pins, the location of which would be shown in the manual. However you may see a couple of pins close to the battery site with the words 'Clear CMOS' or similar. These should be shorted out for 5 - 10 seconds and the battery replaced

    Reconnect the power cord and enter setup F1 or load defaults - F2 in your case.
     
    PeteC,
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  4. 2006/05/14
    bobamatt

    bobamatt Inactive Thread Starter

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    fao Pete C

    Hi and thanks for your response.

    The PC is indeed about 6 years old. I will have to check the details on the motherboard and let you know in due course.

    When you say short out the pins where the battery are, what exactly do you mean?

    Cheers
     
    bobamatt,
    #3
  5. 2006/05/14
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    On a motherboard of that age there will be a number of groups of pins, 2 or more in a group, about 1/4" high and 1/4" apart, each pin being <1/16" diameter which may or may not be connected by a small plastic covered metal block called a jumper. Modern motherboards are 'jumperless', but generally have one set of pins close to the battery to clear the CMOS which may be achieved by shorting out the pins, if there are just two with a metallic object or by moving a jumper across from say pins 2,3 to pins 1,2 and back to achieve the temporary short if there are 3 pins.

    Generally the words 'Clear CMOS' are printed on the board close to the pins.
     
    PeteC,
    #4
  6. 2006/05/14
    bobamatt

    bobamatt Inactive Thread Starter

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    If I remove the battery and reinstall it will this work? If so will i lose my BIOS settings? Because I do not know what they are.
     
    bobamatt,
    #5
  7. 2006/05/14
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Removing the battery and waiting 30 minutes or so may do the trick. You will lose all the BIOS settings - including the troublesome password - that is the object of the exercise - to clear out all settings.

    When you reboot - hopefully without the request for a password select F2 - from your first post, to load BIOS defaults. Those settings are probably what you have run with all along.

    I think the Hardware forum is more appropriate to this problem and have moved your thread there.
     
    PeteC,
    #6
  8. 2006/05/14
    mattman

    mattman Inactive Alumni

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    Most BIOS/CMOS settings are only needed to be changed when you want run something that is non-standard. The only one you may need to use is "Load Optimal Settings" when everything is running smoothly again.

    Some trivia for Pete. Some motherboards do not have a Clear CMOS jumper. The method they use is to remove the battery for a priod of time like you described. The capacitors hold charge for a while after the battery is disconnected, so 1/2 an hour or better still, a few hours, should reset it.

    Matt
     
    mattman,
    #7
  9. 2006/05/15
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Thanks for the update, Matt :)
     
    PeteC,
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  10. 2006/05/15
    mattman

    mattman Inactive Alumni

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    I'd like to swap for some of your "trivia" :D

    Matt
     
    Last edited: 2006/05/15
    mattman,
    #9
  11. 2006/05/15
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Keep on reading the forums :D
     
    PeteC,
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