Is my computer dying???

Question

All was ok yesterday with no problems, I turned my computer on this morning and before windows loads it says

CMOS settings failed
CMOS memory failed

I get a choice between F1 (takes me to the set up screen)
of F2 which loads the default settings

F2 does load windows but the time and date are back to 2003!!!

Can anybody help please, I have scanned for virus's and spware etc to no avail,

I went onto crucial.com and get the following details

Motherboard - Elite Group (ECS) K7S5A (Rev 3.X)

Maximum Memory Capacity: 1024MB
Currently Installed Memory: 1GB
Available Memory Slots: 0
Number of Banks: 2
Dual Channel Support: No
CPU Manufacturer: AuthenticAMD
CPU Family: AMD Athlon(tm) Processor Model 8, Stepping 1
CPU Speed: 1244 MHz

And from another site I got the following info

AMI BIOS version 01.20. Daton 02.04.01


Thats all is over my head!!!!

If you can help PLEASE do???

All help is greatly appreciated

Answer 1

It could be that the battery is dying. There should be a small silver disk the size of a small coin attached to your motherboard. Try replacing it.

Answer 2

You need a new battery.

With the power off, open the case and look at the motherboard.

Look for something that resembles a 10 pence piece.

There is a number on this - 2032 usually. Sometimes 2016 or 2025.

Get down to your local electronics shop. Maplins or a local store that sells batteries. Tescos and Sainsbury's do a range of batteries - I'm sure I've seen these 'button' cells there.

Anyway, they are about £2 each.

Buy one.

When you get back to work on the PC, handle the battery carefully as you can accidentally discharge it if you happen to touch it with your fingers.

Using a small screwdriver and a steady hand, you move a tiny lever away from the battery on the mobo and it should pop-up. just be really carefully with the screwdriver around your motherboard. Some mobo battery holders have a hold down clip on top of the battery and you have to wriggle it more. Just be patient.

Once it is clear, it needs to be disposed off properly.

Using a kitchen towel doubled over, open the battery blister pack and remove the new battery. Always handle it with the kitchen towel and never your bare finger tips.

Carefully push the battery back into the battery holder.

Replace the case and restart your PC. You will get the same message as before.

Press F1 and use the cursor keys and Enter/RETURN key to select the BIOS defaults and make sure you save these.

The PC will restart.

Once it has booted into Windows, double click on the clock and set the date and time again.

Job Done.

Good Luck!

BTW, unless you use the computer once every 6 weeks or so for five minutes each time, the CMOS battery (as it is called) should last for one to two years.

Answer 3

The battery on the main board which keeps the CMOS settings has probably died.

To test if the battery is dead set the correct settings in the BIOS by pressing F1 and setting the correct settings if you know what they should be, if you don't know choose set default settings or something similar and save settings, after that power down PC and unplug it for about 10-15 mins, start it up again and if it says the error message again then you will probably need to replace the battery which is usually a lithium battery type 2032. Please note that if pc is still under warranty do not take it apart.

If any of this is over your head take it to a computer repair shop and describe the error message to them.

If you need any further guidance email me.

Answer 4

I wouldn't expect that to be a virus . . . if you can boot your computer and set the time back don't worry about it. If the problem persists, update your BIOS. The link to your motherboard manufacturer's site is here:

http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Downloads/ProductsDetail_Download.aspx?detailid=279&DetailName=New&DetailDesc=K7S5A%20%20(V3.1B)&CategoryID=1&MenuID=82&LanID=0

I found your motherboard for you. All you have to do is download the BIOS update utility and read the instructions they give you. Be careful as you update your BIOS and be sure there can be no power failure while you're doing it. And don't do it if the problem goes away on its own.

The clock battery in your computer can also be a source of problems . . . locate it and replace it if nothing else seems to work and before you update your BIOS (since your computer is showing symptoms that can be caused by a failing battery). The link I gave you also has the manual, in case you don't know what you're looking for. The manual should at least point out where the battery is. If you search the manual for "battery" it should be quick to find.

You can also install avast! antivirus, which is free to home users, to minimize the threat of viruses. Your computer may be a bit old to run it, but give it a try and see if it slows things down much. Download here and register: http://www.avast.com/

Good luck!

Gee, people sure are ignorant to give me three (!) thumbs down . . . I can't draw the man a picture of his motherboard so he can know how to replace the clock battery, so he needs the manual from the link I painstakingly looked for on the motherboard manufacturer's site. BIOS problems could require changing the clock battery (which can be had at any Walmart) or updating the BIOS. You need that link to get the manual and the BIOS update utility, and the links are not always easy to find. And I threw in a recommendation for a free antivirus program at the end because the man was worried about viruses . . . that is SO not an advertisement. So why the thumbs down? Shpxvat 'gneqf!

Answer 5

Hi there.

Erks. Basically your CMOS battery is dying and needs to be replaced. It's probably a lithium cell battery at 3.0 volts

Go to this site, it will show you a pic of your motherboard.
http://www.ocworkbench.com/hardware/elite/k7s5a/k7s5ap2.htm
See the text 4x AGP slot and DMA66/100 IDE connector?
Between the two line arrows is a round silver object, that's the battery.

There is a metal clamp at the edge of the plastic battery holder, pinching that together will release the battery, remember how it goes in when you put in the new battery (the "+" is on the top)

Go to your local electronic store, walmart or Guardian Drug Store and they should have it. Take out the old one and bring it with you for size and voltage comparison just to be sure.

Put in the new one and bootup the computer. Make the BIOS settings (press F1) is correct like date and time and hard drive settings. Save settings on exit.

Hope this helps

Answer 6

2

Answer 7

Only if Oscar the cat comes and sits on top of it.
Seriously, open it up and locate the shiny button battery and unclip it. Buy a replacement and fit it. Reset the Bios and you should be OK.

Answer 8

Replace the battery in the motherboard.

Answer 9

Try starting your pc in safe mode then do a system restore. If that doesn't work seek more professional help.