Have to keep resetting CMOS memory to boot up

[albert0373]

Up until a few days ago, my computer ran fine then I'm not sure what quite caused it, no new software, no new hardware installation...my computer just won't boot up unless I reset the CMOS memory by activating the CMOS reset jumper. It started happening after I accidentally hit the power switch on my 6 outlet power strip and shutted everything down, then I turned it back on and turned on my computer and it turns on but no boot screen shows up.

I know this is a very peculiar problem, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

It's a pain to turn on my computer now, having to open up the case, then reset (which takes 15 seconds) then have to wait for that screen that says your Windows OS did not start up properly last time and yeah...

[davy]

Maybe trying a new CMOS battery might help, this is the first thing that I would consider, ensure the contacts are clean and not tarnished.

In the process leave the battery out for at least two minutes to completely reset the bios.

What can affect the boot up is the RAM and graphic card, re-inserting the graphic card might help... from this you can deduce for the bios boot and be able to access the bios set up screen all you need installed is the CPU, RAM and graphic card the rest can be disconnected - at this stage the bios hasn't handed control over to the CPU to get the hard drive loading windows & start up programs into RAM.

There could well be other causes do ensure the power lead is OK as it could be arcing and corrupting the bios.

Note
The settings in the bios would need to be re-set as you've probably discovered, there's usually a optimum setting you can click for a 'quick set'.

Davy

[albert0373]

Just replaced the battery, and nothing has changed;

I'll take a look at the power arch and try reconnecting the gfx card/ram and see what happens, thank you for the helpful reply!

[davy]

After that, there's only the CPU, RAM, Power Supply and mobo.

The first goal is to get the bios boot up and you'll get this with just the bare bones installed, eliminating the basic items is the first thing I would do.

I did forget to mention when problems like this happens it would be a good idea to disconnect all USB devices, "sorry about that", I did think the CMOS battery would have sorted it for you, it was quite a logical thing to suspect.

Also look out for bad electrolytic capacitors, their tops should be nice n' flat and not domed shaped nor should they have gunge leaking out, here's an example -: Don Davidson Computer / Bad Capacitors in System Boards

Davy

[albert0373]

All is well now!

I left the battery out for 5 min. installed my new 7950gt video card, and put everything back in place and booted. Went into cmos settings and adjusted everything back to my preference.

Thanks for the help.

[davy]

Good show,
Sounds like one of them two was duff, good to know it wasn't too serious.

davy