BIOS / MOTHERBOARD ???

Gosh I hate large type.  While you were in the System Setup did you check your Event Log to see if you have errors, nonkeyboard ones, logged?  Have you reflashed your BIOS to the latest version?  If there are logs in your log file what are they?

Yes I have; can you think of anything else>

If it is the battery there will be a log in system setup.  Were there are logs?

Thank you, I shall try it tomorrow.

 

Allan

Allan, once the battery is replaced, if you still experience problems then check the diagnostic lights when this happens.  The lights could give an indication of an error code which will help in pin pointing the problem.  I would tell you to do this now, but a failing battery can produce erroneous error codes so it is best to rule out the battery first.  You can click here for an explanation of those error codes from your model's on-line Service Manual if need be. 

Allan, since you are encountering a variety of boot up problems related to hardware detection I would suggest replacing the motherboard battery.  A failing battery can cause these types of problems.   A new 3-Volt, CR2032, coin cell battery can be purchased for around $3 (US) and is available at any Radio Shack, computer stores and most discount stores like Wal-Mart. You can click here for information on how to change the battery from your model's on-line Service Manual.  While the battery is removed I would suggest clearing the NVRAM using the procedure I have listed below......

 

With the machine unplugged from the wall remove the battery from the motherboard.  Then with the machine still unplugged press the On button for 15 seconds to dissipate any remaining electrical charge on the motherboard.  Then re-install the battery, plug the machine back into the wall and see if it will boot normally.

Hi Again; I am not an advanced person as far as computers are concerned.  However; I do not mind getting to grips with anything to do with the computer.  Normally, where is the battery located on the motherboard, and what shape is it? 

 

Thanks,

 

Allan

It looks like a big old watch battery.  Can't miss it......you may need something to carefully assist prying it out of the socket.

I have done this some many times already.  It does not work.  However, I thought of something.  Before everything used to work like clockwork automatically.  Now I manually have to get my system working through the BIOS.  Does this tell you anything?

 

Allan

According to your manual it means the following:  A possible floppy or hard drive failure has occurred. Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.

No sweat dude I have a cpl of hrs to spare until Sunday football starts.  My name is Ray and my addy is in my profile:  rayoftennessee@hotmail.com

Thank you for your help so far.  I have no trouble keeping my data.  The only problem that I have is having to go into the BIOS to start up my system correctly.  It used to do it automatically.  Again, the two things that it does not seem to rocognize is the Keyboard and the Hard Drive.  However said, I am still able to use both.  Wierd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Would you mind if I ask you for your name and e-mail address?  I am an American living in the UK

 

Allan

Allan, this diagram should help....

 

The battery is a cheap replacement....2 or 3 bucks at almost any store.  The indicators on the other hand validate that it is hard drive related and assuming you have not already deleted the Utility partion then you could press the F12 key and run diags on the hard drive.  I bet it wont pass.....heh  Its not uncommon with age for hard drives to crash...my 8200 survived about 3 years before it became completely terminal.  Prior to that I probably did about 10 os reinstalls until the drive just said no more.....heh

Ray; (Is this your name?) What part of the states are you from?  Over here in the UK we are about 5-8 hours ahead, depending where you live.  The time now is 16:55Hrs.

 

I miss watching American Football over here.  The only chance that I have to view it is one day a week but early in the morning.   I happen to watch Baseball every so often, two days a week; but again early in the morning.  I have supported the same team ever since I was 4 years old.  Basketball I really ever watch.

 

However; with regards to my current problem with the computer.  Based on what you said what would be my best bet concerning this problem of mine.  I do not want to go out and buy a new computer if I can help it.  I like my old Dell Machine 8300.

 

Allan

 

Obviously