cmos setup fail-save defaults problem

[windspeed]

In attempting to solve a booting problem, I set my CMOS to fail-save defaults and now all I have on screen is a half page of what is best described as a light blue, red and black woven type pattern, bottom half of the screen is blank. I don't know if this is just a screen issue and everything is loaded correctly behind it or if it indicated that nothing has loaded or booted. Given how fast this screen comes up when I press the start buttom, I'm guessing these is nothing booting behind it. Any suggestions?

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Welcome to CH.

Can you get back into the BIOS at all?

What Computer is this? (manufacturer and model number)

[windspeed]

no, can't see anything on screen except this bluey red woven pattern.
Can't tell you much about the system ( I was trying to fix my son's computer!) other then its from the local computer shop so probably built with various components. All I do know is it's running XP. If it's important, I can open it up and see what's inside.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

If it's important, I can open it up and see what's inside.

It may come to that, but first try your monitor on another computer or try another monitor on this computer.
(to make sure the problem isn't with the monitor)

[windspeed]

It's 2am here in Australia so I'll have to wait until tomorrow to try another screen and computer. I'll come back to you then.
Just to give me something to think about in the meantime, is there some way to reset the bios manually? I understand that a computer can't do anything without the cmos/bios thingie so unless I can reset it somehow I'm really up the creek aren't I?

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

You can try removing the CMOS Battery (on the motherboard) for about 10-20 minutes and see what happens there.

[windspeed]

ok, should I try removing the battery now or be patient and wait until I can test the monitor in the morning?

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

I don't see any harm in removing it overnight. Just make sure you unplug the computer before doing anything.

[windspeed]

I'll try it and let you know what happens tomorrow. Thanks

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

All right, Good Luck and Good Night.