CMOS Checksum error!

WinXP Home/SP2/IE7: On booting up I get this message: "Energy Star Phoenix Award Bios Version NAA21EM. CMOS Checksum error. Defaults loaded.
Warning! system is in Safe Mode. Please resetting CPU frequency in the CMOS setup. Press F1 or F2.....
I then press F1 and the pc starts normally. However, I am wondering if this message on startup has anything to do with a d/load and install from microsoft windows website to restore Internet Explorer icon to my desktop which was done yesterday.
How can I disable this message from appearing at startup? Thanks.

 

Is it a desktop PC? It sounds like your CMOS battery has died and needs to be replaced. Easy on a desktop---not easy on a laptop.

 

You should install Critical Updates for your computer including Service Pack 3.

Learn How To Install Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)

Scroll down the page and click Before you begin and then
Installing SP3 using Windows Update (recommended)

 

Yeah, CMOS batt replacement...get r done!

 

This info is *not* intended as a different solution to the CMOS error.

 

Thanks to all for your replies and suggestions, and for the link to install SP3.
I think I now have the CMOS error message solved. I didn't want to go the way of installing a new battery, since I have no idea how to get to it in the first place - so I decided to go with the advice to leave the power strip on after I shut down my pc. That seems to have the system back to normal.
Cheers and thumbs up!

 

If you change your mind it is not that difficult to change if we are talking about a desktop. The battery is easy to locate/recognize since it just looks like a large watch type coin shaped battery. Radio Shack and even many pharmacies and supermarkets with large battery displays sell replacements for a couple of dollars. Just be sure to unplug the computer before opening the case.

If you decide later that you would like to change it let us know the model number and we can probably get you instructions for opening the case (usually just a slide door).

1 minute video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkBWZOtp2is&feature=related


***[Laptop CMOS batteries are often harder to replace so if you have a laptop I understand your hesitance and don't recommend trying to replace it without researching your model number.]

 

LOL Hi Sach2
Just saw your post immediately after I posted. :-D


Here's a little help.
Changing the CMOS battery:

How to Replace the CMOS Battery

How to Replace the CMOS Battery in Your Computer

YouTube Video:
How To Replace a CMOS Battery

Dealing with ElectroStatic Discharge:
Static Electricity Can Damage Your Computer

How to Ground Yourself to Avoid Destroying a Computer with Electrostatic Discharge

A MUST BUY
Get an antistatic wrist strap like this at Radio Shack.
The one I got was even cheaper.
Ultra Antistatic Wrist Strap

 

Hey mjnc!

Your links are good.

CMOS battery changes are pretty simple and a good introduction to not being afraid to look around at what is inside a PC case. I agree with you that it is better to just replace the battery and be done with it for the next 3-5 years.

 

Hi plodr

I've only worked on three laptops and everything has to go back exactly correctly. Any tiny mistake and the whole thing doesn't work. Take apart put back together; rinse and repeat until something clicks into place. I have much more respect for old-time watch makers after those experiences.

I'd never heard of the power strip method but I will definitely keep it in mind. I had one PC that just would not work correctly without a CMOS battery. Every startup gave some new error with HD not being recognized or scrambled graphics etc. I got in the habit of keeping an extra battery around just because of that stubborn machine.

 

I used to be scared to death of opening the case to do anything - even installing a RAM chip - afraid I'd mess something up.

Even a RAM chip can be problematic.
If not completely seated in its slot, that will cause a short as soon as the machine is turned on
and that will fry the motherboard.

Beginners Guides: Most Common Ways to Kill a PC

An antistatic wrist strap is a MUST!.

 

To: plodr - Thanks for the tip to keep power strip on. To: sach2 & mjnc - Thanks for posting diagrams how to change the cmos battery. I'll pluck up some courage and try it sometime if I have the problem again...
Much appreciated help.