I need help w/ my puter please.

Everytime I boot up my computer takes me to a screen that says press F1 to run set up
or press F2 to load default values and continue.

I have pressed F1 but don't know what to do once I get there. :rolleyes:
So, I usually press F2 . When I do this another screen comes up that makes me change my clock settings for daylight savings time!
:confused: It actually brings the date in our computer back to January of 1999.
Does anyone know how I can fix this? I am so tired of changing the stupid date and time everytime I use this computer. It's been happening for a few weeks now.
Thanks for any helpful info!:)

Oh Lisa...well, here is my suggestion:

It's probably the battery of your motherboard which is running empty.
This battery (usually a small button cell) is the backup for the BIOS (you can say that this is the operation system of the motherboard) which is responsible for all the settings of the hardware on and connected to the motherboard. When the cell is running empty, such faults as you have described them can occur.

In most of the cases, replacing the cell with a fresh one shouldn't be a big thing - if you don't dare to do this by yourself, see your local computer dealer. He (or she...who knows ;) ) should also be able to check your computer if this fault keep on occuring, and if you ask them nice, they might even update the BIOS to the latest version in one go. ;)

Hmmm they are going to 1999 now? I thought all dates on the PC based system went to 1/1/80. At least mine always did.

Most CMOS batteries last at least 5 years.

Like wavey said, just get the battery replaced. I have no idea what it costs since I have never bought one before. I have REPLACED them, but I didn't buy it. I can't imagine a battery costing more than about $5.

Ok I just went and looked at the prices. Curiousity killed me. Most all IBM PC class machines just a round, flat disc type silver battery that is located somewhere on your motherboard.

I believe they are lithium cell "coin" batteries. Come to think of it, they do look like a coin. (never really thought about it)

I found them online for $4, but ANY store that carries a decent amount of computer hardware should carry them. I wouldn't pay much more than $5.

Replacing them is easy. Shut the machine off first. The battery socket has a little arm holding the battery down. Gently lift up the arm (just enough to pull the battery out), swap batteries, let the arm go, fire it back up, go into the BIOS and fix your time/date, and anything else that might be wrong, and your set.

Now.... there's always the off chance that it's NOT the battery, that the battery socket is bad. It's rare, but I have had that happen before.

First try the battery. If that doesn't fix it, let us know.

You should be able to do this yourself. It's not rocket science. :)

Ohhh BTW wavey... the battery doesn't back up the BIOS. The BIOS is non-volatile. It is just a semiconductor. None of your settings are stored in there, they are in the CMOS which is what the battery powers. The BIOS is permanate information, and only a flash can change it. It is used for the POST, interrupts, and to run the boot strap loader.

Just FYI. ;)

Yo thanks aaron...I am always confusing this (now I remember where my points had gone in the respective exam I had to write recently :lol: ). Yeah, you are right - there are darn many little thingys on a motherboard, huh? ;)

Wow, thank you Wave and Aaron. I actually think I will try this by myself. I've only had that computer (it's the one for my advertising at work) for about 2 years. I wonder if Best Buy would have the battery. I'll check it out and get back to you. I'll prob have more questions about it. Thanks so much for the help!:)

Just one suggestion to add to this. Ground yourself! Just be sure to touch some metal before touching the motherboard, so as to discharge any static electricity you may have. It can do nasty things to a computer.

Originally posted by Shakey
Just one suggestion to add to this. Ground yourself! Just be sure to touch some metal before touching the motherboard, so as to discharge any static electricity you may have. It can do nasty things to a computer.

THANK YOU for that warning! I'm not doing this myself afterall. I called my comp guy and he said it would only cost $20 or $25. That's fine with me. Plus I got caught up on an electric fence a while ago and I have had some weird nerve damage from it. I really don't even like the slightest shock. I know, sounds whimpy. I didn't realize static can do weird stuff to your computer. Maybe I'm messing up my computer from my electric shock!:p :D
I sure hope this is the problem. I like cheap solutions!;)

I think $25 is awfully high for something that couldn't possibly take more than 5 minutes to fix.

Most stores will do it for free just to get your business.

That does sound high for just changing a battery. The battery itself shouldn't cost more than $5.