CMOS Battery Problem on ECS A770M-A motherboard

Kenny_Strawn · 09-07-2010, 11:35 AM

http://7oeyuq.bay.livefilestore.com/...ems.jpg?psid=1

H_TeXMeX_H · 09-07-2010, 12:56 PM

Ok, I see that it says:

Code:

BIOS settings wrong
BIOS Date/Time not set
Press F1 to run setup

at least I assume it does, because it's a bit clipped on the left.

Well, this says that probably the BIOS settings have been cleared somehow. So far, just post back on how some of the advice went, like the CLR_CMOS jumper on/off ? and run memtest, and look around inside the case for anything unusual.

Kenny_Strawn · 09-07-2010, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H_TeXMeX_H

Ok, I see that it says:

Code:

BIOS settings wrong
BIOS Date/Time not set
Press F1 to run setup

Actually, it says "CMOS settings wrong" and "CMOS Date/Time not set", and when I try to reset the settings correctly, upon rebooting those settings are lost and "CMOS Settings wrong" changes to "CMOS battery low".

H_TeXMeX_H · 09-07-2010, 02:46 PM

I see, then there must a problem with the battery or the connections to the battery, like others have said. Maybe the contacts have oxidation on them, try cleaning them with some isopropanol (when the computer in powered down and unplugged, and use 99% isopropanol if you have some).

Kenny_Strawn · 09-07-2010, 03:06 PM

Where do you get 99% isopropanol?

H_TeXMeX_H · 09-07-2010, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenny_Strawn

Where do you get 99% isopropanol?

You can probably get away with rubbing alcohol if you're careful and use a small amount.

You can probably find some at a computer repair shop, or wherever they sell thermal paste (as it is require to take off the old paste).

If there is oxidation, I think some people recommended using an eraser, but you'd have to be careful not to knock off any components from the board. I've never tried it.

Kenny_Strawn · 09-07-2010, 03:27 PM

You think something like Fry's or Micro Center may have it?

H_TeXMeX_H · 09-07-2010, 04:04 PM

Maybe, or ask for something to clean off thermal paste or anything else inside a computer (something with low or no water content).

onebuck · 09-08-2010, 07:40 AM

Hi,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenny_Strawn

Where do you get 99% isopropanol?

Any good pharmacy or even Walmart should have 99% Isopropyl Alcohol that could be used.

Kenny_Strawn · 09-11-2010, 09:19 AM

It just came into my head that there might also be dust underneath the battery and on the contacts. In that case, would something like a Perfect Duster do the trick?

H_TeXMeX_H · 09-11-2010, 09:39 AM

I would use a compressed air can. I have several because some dust is hard to reach and is near mobo components that I would not want to damage.

Kenny_Strawn · 09-11-2010, 09:50 AM

Compressed air can... That's exactly what Perfect Duster is. Yes, my mother has plenty of compressed gas cans.

H_TeXMeX_H · 09-11-2010, 10:42 AM

Oh, well yes then use that.

P.S.
off topic Russian post reported