/ Problems Clearing the CMOS

Problems Clearing the CMOS

Every time I try to reinstall the BIOS from the motherboard CD, a message appears that the CMOS is corrupt. I clear the CMOS and it’s the same thing - it’s like the BIOS (downloaded from Asus) is protecting itself. Kat Delong

It looks like you decided to go ahead and tackle the difficult job of reflashing the BIOS. Clearing the CMOS will erase your BIOS settings, but in this case it won’t matter to you.

Clearing the CMOS

You say that you are clearing the CMOS - I’m not sure how you’re doing this, so let’s take a look at the different methods depending on the type of motherboard you have:

Turn the computer off and then hold down the Insert key and wait for it to boot. This may clear the CMOS memory.
Do the same thing, only hold down the Delete key this time.
Your motherboard may have a clear jumper that can be used to clear the CMOS. Usually, you have to open the PC and set the jumper to a special setting. You would then boot it up to clear the CMOS. After that, you boot the PC down and reset the jumper back to the previous setting.
If you have a CMOS battery on the motherboard, you can disconnect it in order to clear it. It will look like a flat watch battery that is on the motherboard. Take it out and let it sit - some people say ten minutes will do, but I like to leave it overnight just to be safe. Put it back and the CMOS should be cleared.
You may have a motherboard with a battery that is soldered to it or is integrated into the unit. If this is the case, then it is probably not user serviceable.

Flashing Wrong BIOS

I hate to bring this up, but is it possible that you flashed the wrong BIOS? Apparently with Asus it isn’t that hard to do, but it will wreak havoc with your machine. If you think this might be the case, then the best recourse is to replace the BIOS chip, even though there are ways to flash the BIOS in the chip on another machine. In many cases, this will just pop in and out without special tools and won’t cost very much. You can do a little research on BIOS chips at the BIOSMAN website.

You never said what the original issue was that made you suspect a BIOS virus, but the next logical step is to take a look at your motherboard. Depending on your level of expertise, at this point it may be time to get some tech help to determine if there is a problem with your board.