Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: windspeed on September 13, 2008, 09:19:58 AM

Title: cmos setup fail-save defaults problem
Post by: windspeed on September 13, 2008, 09:19:58 AM

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?

Title: Re: cmos setup fail-save defaults problem
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on September 13, 2008, 09:22:08 AM

Welcome to CH.

Can you get back into the BIOS at all?

What Computer is this? (manufacturer and model number)

Title: Re: cmos setup fail-save defaults problem
Post by: windspeed on September 13, 2008, 09:30:44 AM

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.

Title: Re: cmos setup fail-save defaults problem
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on September 13, 2008, 10:00:12 AM

Quote

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)

Title: Re: cmos setup fail-save defaults problem
Post by: windspeed on September 13, 2008, 10:20:43 AM

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?

Title: Re: cmos setup fail-save defaults problem
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on September 13, 2008, 10:22:14 AM

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

Title: Re: cmos setup fail-save defaults problem
Post by: windspeed on September 13, 2008, 10:24:24 AM

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

Title: Re: cmos setup fail-save defaults problem
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on September 13, 2008, 10:28:30 AM

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

Title: Re: cmos setup fail-save defaults problem
Post by: windspeed on September 13, 2008, 10:31:12 AM

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

Title: Re: cmos setup fail-save defaults problem
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on September 13, 2008, 10:32:47 AM

All right, Good Luck and Good Night. 8)