Fixing "Corrupt" CMOS Settings

Kenn's
Tech
Notes

19980603: Fixing "Corrupt" CMOS Settings

June/1998
Tech Note #3

Sometimes you may be able to repair what appears to be a defective motherboard by performing a very simple procedure. Try resetting the CMOS. To achieve this, simply power down the system, and power it back up while holding down the "Insert" key.

This was a feature of the AMI BIOS back in the days we were buying Atari 286s, it was still true for the Acer Vi15 motherboards installed in the Manlab 486s of more recent times, and information I've read on-line suggests this same trick works with Award BIOS, as well, which is the BIOS used in the workstations the division has been purchasing for the past couple of years.

Symptoms of a "corrupt" CMOS typically include being unable to set or perhaps even see certain parameters in CMOS which are normally there. However, it is a safe trick to try on any AMI and Award BIOS, if you are suspecting the motherboard for any reason. If the motherboard's bad, you're not going to hurt it, and if it's not, you're only resetting the factory default settings.

One final, totally unverified note. I found a message in one of the newsgroups indicating that on some BIOSes, powering on holding the "End" key also reset the BIOS to default settings. The message did not say what manufacturer or version of BIOS, but, if you're desperate, and nothing else worked, why not?

DISCLAIMER: This document is intended for the reference of computer support personnel within Winnipeg School Division No. 1. There is no warranty or liability if procedures recommended here have an adverse affect on any systems. Use them at your own risk. Any trademarks mentioned are the property of their owners, none of whom have certified any information provided here. Opinions expressed here are personal only and do not represent the policy of Winnipeg School Division No. 1 or any other organization anywhere.

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