Question about computer start up?

Question

I have a Dell Dimension 4600C with Windows XP Home Edition, SP2. As soon as my computer starts up, I get the message "Performing automatic IDE configuration" and then after several seconds, I get a message saying this has completed but that I need to set the time and date. Once I complete this, my computer then continues to boot up normally. The major issue is, I have to set the time and date *every time* I turn on the computer because of the automatic IDE configuration message. I have contacted Dell several times about this, they had no clue, I have looked for a solution online, to no avail. I feel deep down as if this is probably a simple problem that most likely involves the changing of some setting I don't know about but, of course, I am no expert, so I can't be sure. I think some people I have asked just automatically assume this is a complicated problem..........anyways, if somebody could help me with this nuisance/problem, I would be forever grateful! Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

There is a little battery on the Mainboard - usually a 2032... It's DEAD! Hop on down to the Radio Shack, or Walgreens/CVS and get'cha one - or take it to a 'puter repair place and they will change it out for you.

http://images.pcworld.com/reviews/graphics/113302-22734_op.jpg

It looks like a NICKEL in this pic of your machine!

Answer 2

I Agree with the likelyhood of a dead CMOS battery although it shouldn't be dead so soon. They usually last for several years. I hate to say this but I have actually run into an issue with Dell but on file servers where the circuit on the motherboard that deals with the CMOS actually goes bad and not the battery itself. It has happened four different times but like I said it has only happened with Dell file servers but Dell is Dell and there is a small chance that it could be the motherboard itself. Try replacing the battery first though it's way cheaper.

Answer 3

almost 100% of the time this is the battery on the mainboard.
it looks like a giant watch battery usually, and often only lasts a couple years, replace it and hopefully you will have to reset the clock for the last time for a couple more years.

Good Luck
TV

Answer 4

domicile windows startups turns into slower and slower as time is going, it is taking place because of the fact we are setting up extra utility to it. If those softwares demands loading on domicile windows startup, they are going to be queuing up everytime you initiate off your domicile windows and for that reason slowing up the finished technique. MSConfig device of domicile windows could make it easier to to velocity up by technique of removing pointless courses at startup. click start up -> Run and type in msconfig. decide on centers tab, and test by using the record. eliminate something you think of pointless to be there. commonly if it’s a Microsoft company provider, purely go away it. decide on the Startup tab, eliminate the utility or utility you don’t to load at startup. Use Command tells you the place the specific utility in put in. issues you untick right this is not fairly loaded on the subsequent domicile windows startup. click ok, and restart your computing device and see if it a lot faster now in case you tousled the settings, visit widespread Tab and decide wide-spread Startup and each thing will fall lower back to unique.

Answer 5

Open the computer u[p and find the little round silver battery replace it. the cmos battery sounds bad do some research on how to replace the cmos battery in your specific computer.

Answer 6

Well maybe a virus and if not well then dont worry about it alright? and besides dont you have a clock around some where?

Answer 7

Here is a tech forum which talks about fixing this: http://forum.volition.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=46001

Answer 8

your battery is dead on the mother board. or someone disconnected it.