Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows 3.x/9x/ME => Topic started by: denisaf on April 01, 2011, 08:00:07 PM

Title: Booting failure
Post by: denisaf on April 01, 2011, 08:00:07 PM

I have an old PC with Windows 98SE. Booting it today led to a screen with details in white on black of what had happened to that stage and then it stopped. Pressing del or alt+f2 did nothing so I shut it down. I tried again with the same result. However, on the third try it booted as normal. Is there anything I should do other than the normal precautionary back up?

Title: Re: Booting failure
Post by: Computer_Commando on April 02, 2011, 01:45:36 PM

Probably the CMOS battery is weak, replace it.  CR-2032, available everywhere (i.e. drugstore).

Title: Re: Booting failure
Post by: denisaf on April 02, 2011, 07:15:24 PM

Thank you. I will get a CMOS battery and lift the lid off the PC. I am not familiar with the layout but I presume I will be able to see where the CMOS battery is installed.

Title: Re: Booting failure
Post by: Computer_Commando on April 02, 2011, 07:18:41 PM

How to replace the CMOS battery (http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000239.htm)
Most sit horizontal, as pictured, but some are vertical (on edge).
No guarantee that's what's wrong, but "old PC with Windows 98SE", probably is original battery.

Title: Re: Booting failure
Post by: denisaf on April 06, 2011, 07:14:52 AM

Thanks for that link. I have read the details of replacing the CMOS battery and resetting CMOS. There is quite a bit of uncertainty about which keys to press. I will take the lid off tomorrow. I left this computer on for three days so the battery could have been recharged.

Title: Re: Booting failure
Post by: Computer_Commando on April 06, 2011, 01:36:25 PM

CMOS batteries are not rechargeable.

Title: Re: Booting failure
Post by: denisaf on May 04, 2011, 12:02:30 AM

It has been pointed out to me that if it was a CMOS battery problem, the date and time would be out. It has been suggested that the problem could be failure of the hard disk to run up. I do not have a disk diagnostics for this PC so I have to take the top off to read the label. I have not taken the top off this PC before. 4 screws secure the side plates to the back plate. however, these side plates are also held in by the top plate and that is riveted to the back plate. I know I am missing something simple. I would welcome becoming informed!