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I used the Ultimate Boot CD on my computer, and opted to disable certain BIOS items from starting. When I restarted the computer, I could not get past the startup screen or get the computer to read the CD player to undo these settings, so I went into the bios settings in the start up menu and disabled some more items from loading at startup. Now the computer won't come on. I took the battery and jumper out, but no luck. What can I do? It's a Windows 2000, running XP.

It sounds like you have a real dilemma here, especially since you have already taken the battery out with no resolution to the problem. Try the following suggestions and see if you can get the computer to run again. I am also going to suggest taking the battery back out, just in case.

Boot UP Using Safe Mode

The first step that you need to take is to see if you can boot the computer up using "Safe Mode." Follow these directions:

• 1) Turn the computer's power button on.
• 2) Immediately begin to press the F2, F8, F10, or F12 (depending on your model/brand of computer) key on the keyboard to allow the computer to start up in "Safe Mode."

Reset the BIOS to Original Settings

Removing the CMOS battery/resetting the CMOS jumper cable resets the BIOS back to its original settings. It's important to wait long enough when you take the CMOS battery out before replacing it. So, let's try this strategy once more.

Disconnect the computer from its power source and discharge the electricity before you begin. Remove the CMOS battery from inside the back of the computer. Wait several minutes before replacing the battery. The same thing holds true when resetting the CMOS jumper cables. You need to wait several minutes before you flip the switch back.

Replace the CMOS Battery

If your CMOS battery is more than a few years old, you can consider replacing it with a brand new one. It is possible that installing a fresh battery might resolve the problem of your computer not turning on for you.

Troubleshooting Strategies

While these issues aren't likely since you sound like you know what you are doing, it still won't hurt to try them. Double check that the computer's memory is properly seated and that the power cords are properly inserted. If your BIOS is beeping, count the number of beeps and look up what that number indicates for your specific brand/model of computer.

Hi, my question is that my computer time/date resets to default every time I turn off my pc. I change it when I use pc but when I turn off then again turn on, the time/date is changed to default. (e.g. I set current time but it resets to 1/1/2006-12AM). Please solve the problem.

The computer's time is maintained by an internal battery known as the CMOS battery. One of the signs that the CMOS battery is failing is that the time on the computer keeps resetting itself each time you shut down and power up. If the computer time keeps resetting, it is most likely time to replace the CMOS battery.  The battery looks somewhat like a large watch battery- round and slim. It is located on the computer's motherboard.

The CMOS battery is also needed to maintain configuration memory (CMOS) for the computer. If the battery dies completely, you'll encounter even more problems with the computer.

How to Replace the CMOS Battery

If your computer is a desktop version, you should be able to locate the CMOS battery easily enough simply by taking the cover off and searching for it on the motherboard. Typically, the CMOS battery is easy to pop off. Just bring it to a computer store and replace it with one just like it. If you prefer, you can search for identifying marks on the battery and use those to replace it. You can also contact the manufacturer or visit the manufacturer's website to locate the correct CMOS battery for your machine.

Once you have the new CMOS battery, you can often just put it in the computer. However, with certain older computers, the CMOS battery is soldered or wired into the motherboard and you will need special instructions to remove/replace it. You can refer to your documentation for the computer or search for directions online.

When I turn on my computer this message comes up: MSI CMOS BATTERY LOW CMOS DATE/TIME NOT SET.PRESS f1 to run setup. Can you help?

Computer CMOS Batteries

The CMOS battery is your computer's internal memory and real time clock power source. This battery allows your computer to initialize its boot up procedure and remember the time and date, even when there is no other power source. CMOS batteries typically last between 2 and 10 years, but thankfully they aren't very difficult to replace. The CMOS battery is round and flat, about the size of a dime, but about twice as thick and will most likely say something like Lithium Battery and a code and voltage on it.

Try to Force the Computer to Recharge the CMOS Battery

The first thing that you can do is try to force the computer to charge the CMOS battery. You can do this by leaving the computer on for about 24 hours then reboot and see if you are still getting an error message.

Locating the CMOS Battery

If it doesn't work, then you are going to need to open the computer. If you have a PC, lay it on its side before opening. If you have a laptop, turn it over on a flat surface. Make sure that you unplug it from its power source and discharge any static electricity before touching anything inside your computer. Open the case and look for the battery on the motherboard. You might need to use your computer user's manual to help locate the battery.

Remove, Reseat or Replace the CMOS Battery

Sometimes unseating and reseating the CMOS battery is enough to get things working again, so you could try slipping it out then repositioning it. Otherwise, remove the battery and take it with you to the computer shop to buy a replacement. They are inexpensive, under $20. You should know that, in some cases, CMOS batteries are not removable. If it doesn't come out easily, or if there isn't a clip that you can lift to remove it, it is best not to force it. Either take the whole unit into a shop or consult your manual for more information.

Contact Technical Support

If you are going to open your computer and remove components from the motherboard, you might want to contact a remote technician for some real time advice. The tech can go through the steps with you to make sure you are comfortable. We recommend the services available here.

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.

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.