CMOS problem

[Nightshade X]

I was wondering if you guys can help me. I'm trying to reinstall some software on a friend's computer and all I get when I boot it up is a message that says that there's something wrong with a CMOS configuration... I have no idea what that means, so I was wondering... does anybody know how to fix that?

[TheMelodyMaker]

I can explain this one. The CMOS is basically the name of the battery on the motherboard that stores the general hardware configuration that the whole computer runs on, regardless of what operating system is running on it. This would involve stuff like which ports are enabled, what hard drives & peripherals are present, power settings, and much more. (Maybe someone else can explain that better than I did. ^_^; )

Anyway, now that you know what it is, when the computer boots does it get as far as giving you the option to enter the CMOS settings? (On some computers you have to press DELETE, sometimes F1, sometimes a combination of keys.) If you can, try going into it and save the current settings without actually changing anything. If that doesn't help, try going into it and see if there's an option to reset everything to the default factory settings (but ask your friend first to see if there's a certain way he likes it set).

Hope that helps. ^_^

[Nightshade X]

but... what if the keyboard won't respond?

[TheMelodyMaker]

If the keyboard doesn't respond (I'm assuming it didn't for you?) then you may have to try opening the case and resetting the CMOS to its defaults with a jumper on the motherboard. If you've got the motherboard manual handy, it should tell you how to do that if it's available.

I'm sorry that's all I can think of for you to try; I do hope it helps. ^_^; (I highly recommend talking to your friend about it first if you can.)

[Mithrandir]

First off - is it a USB keyboard? If so, try plugging in a PS2 (note: not a playstation II) style keyboard. On the motherboard there may be a little battery. Try disconnnecting that for a few minutes. Let us know what kind of motherboard you have, and maybe we can help more.

[Nightshade X]

um... I don't think their computer has a port for a PS2 style keyboard.

[Mithrandir]

What kind of machine is it?

Is this a home built machine, or a premade box? "Is it, like a dell, dude?"

[Nightshade X]

lol, oldphil. It's a Gateway.