i486SX Troubles

[Cody]

Hey Guys.

I have an old i486SX sitting here.

This is what I get when I turn it on:

Packard Bell

PheonixBIOS A486 Version 1.01
<Insert 2 lines of copyright info here>

Reference ID 11

640K Base Memory 07168K Extended 389K Shadow RAM

Diskette Drive 0 Failure
Diskette Drive 1 Failure

Invalid Configuration Information - Run SETUP Program

Fixed Disk Controller Failure

Keyboard is locked - unlock

Press F1 to Continue, F2 to run SETUP


Please note that the keyboard doesn't work (nothing you type in has a response), so I can't get into setup either. It is a new keyboard that otherwise works, so I know it is not that. I have tried unhooking both of the Floppy drives (5-1/4 and 3-1/2) and it still gives those errors.


Any ideas?

[OC Guy]

You might want to upgrade the bios. Just a opinion, hey, it might even work!

[Cody]

How can I, if I can't boot off a disk :-/

[Jixor]

my P1 has a problem like that, i just push F1 like it tells me and it works fine LOL

[knucklebusted]

I am betting it is a dead battery. Has it been off for quite a while or in storage maybe?

I'd find the CMOS jumper and set it for clear for a few minutes and switch it back. That might get you the initial problems. If that works, you need a new battery.

Also, there is a lock mechanism on some systems. If you can find it, remove the cables running to it and it should free up the keyboard lock.

I'm not a Packard Bell expert but a few have crossed my doorstep. It is either a battery or maybe a lightning strike!

Also, try this site: http://www.priorityonesupport.com/

Good luck.

[Cody]

So THAT's what that lock is for <<grin>>

I unplugged that, but (gosh this is not easy saying) I can't find the CMOS battery :-(..

Is it possible it doesn't have one?

[Ed_S]

It's probably the old style soldered-in type. Most I remember were barrel shaped, about 3/8 diameter by 1/2 long. Lot of those old boards had a pair of jumper-style pins to connect a replacement "external" battery near the soldered one. Not sure about P-B though, they kinda "did their own thing" in many ways.

[jbyron]

The battery could be in the rear time clock chip. If the computer keeps good time when it is truned off the battery is still good.

[Cody]

I still can't locate the battery, and no, it does not keep time.

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

There was usually a connector at the back of the mobo which has 4 pins, and you can buy a spare battery (Called External Battery) usually you velcro it to the side of the case, but any computer store should have them, (Smaller computer stores not big ones)

I'm looking at an old 486SX20 I have here, and there are some pins at the back by the ISA slots marked Battery, Also you are right there is no visible battery but don't worry putting a ext bat on it replaces the old one anyway.

As for disk controller failures, I used to get those all the time. (386 days) but that was an expansion controller since it didn't have on board, but after you put an extern batt. on, reset the cmos and get back to us and let us know where it stands.

BTW. Does anyone know wha tI can do with 12 1Meg 30pin simms? Should I just make keychains? I remember paying 50$ a chip when I first got them.

[This message has been edited by Wizzard~Of~Ozz (edited 09-03-2001).]

[eagle1]

Did you found the CMOS jumper as someone suggested? You might try clearing it!


Wizzard -- I have 4 30pin simms too.. They are already keychains!!! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Cody]

I didn't find it yet. I will look again though.

There is a thing that is silver, about 1/2" high, 1/3" wide (circular) that has a hole in the top of it. Might that be the battery?

[jbyron]

Never had a dead battery keep an old system from booting. Just had to reset the bios every time. don't remember if PB used a setup disk like 286's and most 386's.
But the system should boot without a battery.

[Cody]

Bump it on up.

[CadetStimp]

Find the key and turn to the unlock symbol on the case!

Also, there are floppies specified in the BIOS that are not connected or are connected but do not match the specified type.