Faulty CMOS RAM

Hi one & all, Greetings from the Sunshine Coast (Queensland)
I have a problem (don't we all?)
On checking a Win XP computer, my diagnostics program (PC Check) reports that the mobo has failed the CMOS RAM test. I've advised my client to return the mobo as it's still under warranty. This is a new error for me, and I don't know just what are the implications. I haven't been able to obtain any info about this error from other techs. The machine appears to be running OK at present, but what are the potential problems? Could someone kindly enlighten me please?

 

Hi Peter,

Geetings from Sydney (getting a bit cold here ).
Questions:

Was there a problem to begin with? Could it seem to relate to the CMOS RAM?....because you say:

Have you double checked PC-Check? I just ran Sandra on mine and it makes the point that the BIOS analysis may be wrong.

If you were to (try to) run a BIOS upgrade (flash) I would think that it should identify a problem with the memory.

Is PC-Check an older version that may not read a later model chip correctly?

Matt

 

Greetings from Hobart... and it's even colder down here!
Definitly BIOS related. Could be just a bug or incompatibility in the programme used. If the system boots, and operates fine I would as Matt says try something like Si Sift Sandra, and not get too worried. Sometimes third party software is there to worry us a little. I'm a bit wary of PC diagnostic programmes.

 

Pretty harsh knee-jerk advice wouldn't you say?

 

Just to note that the flash program itself (prior to actual flash) should give information about the memory. If you wanted to run the flash I would check whether it may effect the warranty.

Another thought. My Gigabyte M/B has "dual BIOS" (two CMOS chips), wonder if something like that may give a false memory reading.

Matt

 

Hi guys, Sorry to be long-winded in returning - I've been in enforced incommunicado for a while + being v. busy.

Initially I ran the hardware checks 'cos the machine had been running eratically, with sasser-like symptoms. (I'd run with no luck, av, antispyware & other checks to try to pinpoint the cause). More recently, it was slow to start and had been taking up to 8 minutes to shut down. Also only shut down to "it is now safe to turn your computer off ". So, repaired XP which cured the startup and shutdown problems. A few repeated hardware tests failed to show the cmos RAM error, but each time reported the system clocks not synchronised.
At this point, I realised that the random rebooting only happened when the tower was upright. I had done most of the testing with it on its side.
Checked internally for loose wiring or connections, also power switch. Finally replaced the power supply. No further problems. Conclusion: I should have checked the power supply earlier, but the symptoms seemed more software or mobo problems.

Anyway, thanks for your valuable suggestions which I've filed away for future reference.