System CMOS checksum bad

Question

I know this is a Dell Site but I have both a Dell and an older Hewlitt Packard. The HP is the one I am stating the problem with I have an older computer which uses windows 98SE a few months back I took it to a computer tech here in which they were suppose to have fixed it charged me 80.00 (to optimize, install AVG anti-virus protection, AD Aware, critical updates checked inventory for operation/Operationally checked for internet connectivity) in which it already had an antivirus program on it. Well after 3 months it started the same ol thing up again when you turn it on it boots but gives you this:

Phoenix Bios 4.0 Release 6.0.0

Rev 1.15

P.U. Intel (R) Celeron (TM) Processor 600MHZ

40K sys. Ram Passed

2 M extended Ram Passed

128K Cache SRAM Passed

System Bios Shadowed

Video Bios Shadowed

something....MB upper limit segment address :E89D

Mouse initialized

fixed disk 0:WDC WD205AA-00BAA0

ATAPI CD-ROM : CRD 8483B

Error

251:System CMOS Checksum Bad-Default Config. used

Press (F1) to set-up (F2) to resume

if you press F2 it will take you to the windows screen I am taking a computer tech course but am not far enough into my studies to know exactly how to fix this problem..I know that this isn't good to run your computer in this kind of state so if anyone knows how to fix the problem PLEASE PLEASE give me step by step instructions on how to correct this problem. I do not want to take it to another tech for them to do the same thing charge me then it goes back to doing this in 3 months time.......Or if you know of anyone who can help me please let me know.....

Thank You Scooter

jwatt · Answer

Without access to HP's documentation on the system, it's not possible to explain step by step what to do. But what's likely wrong is that the battery that backs up the CMOS memory on the motherboard has failed, and needs to be replaced.

Jim

scooter1963 · Answer

Can you please tell me where & how to change this battery??

jwatt · Answer

Can you please tell me where & how to change this battery??

The documentation you will need is the service manual for the motherboard installed in your computer. Without that I could only guess. You may be able to find the information somewhere on the HP Web site.

(edit)
this is what the box said that the computer came in

Was there an HP model number on the box?

Jim

Message Edited by jimw on 01-25-2004 06:19 PM

scooter1963 · Answer

What documentation do you need? this is what the box said that the computer came in 20GB hard drive 64MB SDRAM memory 48X max speed CD-ROM 56K modem   Celeron Intel 600MHZ Processor upgradeable

scooter1963 · Answer

yes the model # is Hewlett Packard XE743

jwatt · Answer

scooter,

Thanks for the model number. By searching HP's support site, I found this article describing replacement of the battery. As the article says, you can likely purchase a replacement battery at a local computer parts store.

Jim

scooter1963 · Answer

Thanks so very much for all your help I truly appreciate it thanks again Scooter aka Shelly

jwatt · Answer

Scooter/Shelly, You're welcome! Did replacing the battery resolve the problem? Jim

scooter1963 · Answer

I haven't replaced the battery yet will this weekend then will let you know I truly appreciate all your help.......Found the battery and bought one today.....

scooter1963 · Answer

ok got the battery changed on Sunday Feb 1st then today Feb 3rd it starting doing the same thing with the 2 beeps then what I've said above

I was told that if I unstall all peripherals then install them one by one that this would tell me what the problem is will it? IF not do you have any other suggestions on why this computer would be doing this?

Thanks Shelly

scooter1963 · Answer

I replaced the battery Sunday Feb. 1st it was working fine then today Feb 3rd it started doing the same thing all over again.... I was told if I uninstall all peripherals then install them one by one this would tell me what was causing the problem. Will that really work doing it that way? IF not can anyone please tell me what they think might be wrong with this computer???

scooter1963 · Answer

Thank you will have to try your suggestion.....

chuket · Answer

scooter 1963

Most checksum errors are caused by the battery as referenced below:

http://www.pcguide.com/ts/x/sys/booterrGBER08-c.html

And this

Q. Can you tell me what causes CMOS checksum errors?

From:

http://www.duxcw.com/faq/cmos/cmos.htm

To rule out a virus, do an online virus scan at:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Select housecall

If you want to try an experiment, leave the comp on 24/7 (with a new battery). Then shut down for ~ 5 minutes and immediatley restart. Do this for a week (or until the same thing reoccurs) and see if it keeps running with no problems. If it runs with no checksum errors then it should point to something draining the battery with the system shutdown.

Windows General

System CMOS checksum bad

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