CMOS checksum error and CMOS Battery Failed error

[devjoy]

System info: VX-Pro with m2 Cryix 233 mx, Award BIOS v4.51PG Release 7/7/97

I have just built this computer and I keep getting an error message "CMOS checksum error - Defaults loaded" and "CMOS Battery Failed". I have replaced the battery ( Tosiba CR2032 Lithium)and tried to reprogram the BIOS setup, but everytime I reboot, I get the same two error messages. The battery is making good contact. The positive side is up. The battery that came on the motherboard was dead as confirmed by a volt ohmeter. The replacement batteries ( I've tried two) have both measured good. The computer works very well, but won't retain the date and time and I will not retain the fact that I have a 5.25 floppy drive.In order to get the computer to boot the first time, I set the CMOS jumper to the "erase cmos". Is this jumper supposed to be moved back to the "normal" position. I tried moving it, but since the CMOS won't retain the correct configuration info, it would not boot. I moved it back to the "erase" position and the computer booted with the same error messages. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

[Bleeding Edge]

Yes. Your suppose to move the jumper back.

Go to the motherboard's web site and retrieve the current BIOS. Get the flash utility if necessary. Flash-in the downloaded BIOS image according to the directions. This should work.

If not, I don't know what else you can do.
Get the board replaced or have the CMOS chip reprogramed?

[devjoy]

If I flash the BIOS, will that solve the error that it says my CMOS battery failed when I have a tested good battery in the motherboard. I have not been able to get the BIOS to retain the setup information so that I can move the jumper setting back to the normal position. When I run setup and tell it to save and exit, it boots and gives me the save message saying that CMOS returned to default settings. Thanks for the help.

[Bleeding Edge]

You checked your battery and you know it's good. You also know it's inserted correctly. Yet the bios fails to recognize this.

It's the BIOS or the motherboard.

Lets assume it is the BIOS. You already tried clearing the CMOS information. Lets flash the BIOS next. Do it according to the instructions from where you download the BIOS. There is usually a couple ways the clear CMOS pins are jumpered when flashing. One is to leave it in the normal position (typical,) or take the jumper off completely, then flash the thing. After the BIOS is flashed, shut down the system, put the jumpers on the clear CMOS pins for a few seconds, if the jumper was in the normal position, then move it back to the normal position and start your system. Go directly into the BIOS setup and verify all the settings are as you what them.
Just follow the manufacturer's instructions to create a bootable floppy with the necessary utility and proper BIOS image and the proper method of flashing.

Note: When you make changes to the BIOS settings, the jumper pins for the Clear CMOS must be left in the normal position. Then make the changes. Then let the system reboot.

[This message has been edited by Bleeding Edge (edited 03-20-99).]

[devjoy]

Thanks. I have saved your instructions and will try to find a site to download the proper upgrade for flashing the BIOS. I spoke with one tech at the shop where my CPU came from and he said that I probably had a bad capacitor on the mb.His cure for that was to sell me a new mb. If it is a bad capacitor, with a schematic of the board my husband could replace it. Any suggestions where I might find a schematic for the board? The computer works great except for this problem.

[Bleeding Edge]

I don't think schematics for any of these board are easy to come by.

If your having difficulty finding the right upgrade go over here:
www.ping.be/bios/ (http://www.ping.be/bios/)
Click the link for BIOS Upgrades.
Click "Click here for VXPRO TXPRO Bios Upgrades"
Lots of info.

Try SYSOPT's site on MB's too:
www.sysopt.com/mboard.html (http://www.sysopt.com/mboard.html)


[This message has been edited by Bleeding Edge (edited 03-20-99).]

[devjoy]

Bleeding Edge,

I have downloaded the following files: Awdflash.exe, 5370815s.bin, m537ide.exe, Flash-C.doc, Flash-E.doc.

Are these the correct files for my BIOS upgrade (BIOS string: 07/04/97-VXPro+-USB-Ultr-2A5LDH09C-00)? I did not find an instuction doc. When I try to read Flash-C.doc, it looks like machine language(squares and lines).I read in a text book that I should copy the files to a boot disk and reboot using the disk. Do the files need to be just copied or do the exe files self extract onto the boot disk. The default boot sequence on the BIOS is C,A,SCSI. Should I unplug my hard drive so that it will go to A drive? Which files need to be on the boot disk? The m537ide.exe is supposed to be a bus mastering utility, I think ? What is that and what does it do? Also, do I leave the jumper in the CMOS erase position while I boot up for flashing the BIOS?(the computer will not boot at present with the jumper in the normal position). Then if I am successful with flashing the BIOS, do I shut down and move the jumper back to the normal position? During the flashing process, will I be able to change the default settings so that even if I can't use the battery, the settings will be the way I want them? I am nerveous about this after reading some of the disclamers and messages posted on this forum, so I want to be sure that I do it exactly right. Thank you so much for your kind help.

[greggx101]

Devjoy

You say you pc wont boot with the jumper in the normal position.
So do you mean you still get the error "message cmos checksum error" or "cmos batery failed" after you have returned the jumper to the normal position.Can you get into the Bios setup from this point??

[greggx101]

I have just scrolled down this BBS and find it a bit strange that you have 2 computers both with cmos battery problems (re WYSE 286)

[Bleeding Edge]

I need to know the manufacter of the motherboard. I don't think the file you retreived is the correct one, The VX-Pro+ and VX-Pro are different versions of the board, plus the date is earlier than your current BIOS.

There is a long BIOS identifer string (number) that can be seen at first boot.
Copy that number and go here: www.ping.be/bios/numbers.shtml (http://www.ping.be/bios/numbers.shtml) Identify the board maker and download the files directly from the manufacter's site.
Post the number and I'll check it out too.
Don't be too concerned. It's really not that tuff. We'll clear up your questions too, after we get the right files. Don't foget, we're doing this to eliminate a BIOS problem.

[This message has been edited by Bleeding Edge (edited 03-21-99).]

[Bleeding Edge]

greggx101,

Because you mentioned this, I took a look.
I have my settings to view only the past few days, so I was not aware of this. I don't know what to say.


devjoy,

I apparently replied to your post about jumper settings on the Alton MB. I guess this is the board in question. What is the model number?

[devjoy]

Hi Fellows,
Yes, my husband has a diasaur WYSE286 that he uses with his ham station (it was stored for a year and the battery died) and the other computer is the one I am trying to get running to replace my old computer -a 486 with a cyrix 586 100mhz CPU. The new motherboard is a VX PRO+(mhz up to 83mhz)5.2A with an Award BIOS v4.51PG release date 7/7/97,and a PCchipset. The info I have read says that it was sold under multiple names so I'm not sure which it was sold under. I bought it as new (old stock) at a computer show. I only paid $25 for it as a learning project.Not knowing if I could do it,I did not want to spend a bunch of money on something I might blow up. The mII Cyrix 233mx cost $35. I bought a used PCI TurboC video Card, a new Maxtech 56k voice/fax modem ,and a new PCI Creative Ensonique sound card. My total investment is $131 plus tax.The ID string that appears during bootup is ( 07/04/97-VXPro+USB-Ultr-2A5LDH09C-00 ).I did not find an identical number when I searched the various sites for a BIOS upgrade. The closest I came to it was one that was the same except for the beginning date. That is the one I downloaded. As to the CMOS jumper, it is currently in the "erase CMOS" position because if I move it to the "Normal" position and turn it back on nothing shows on the monitor and I can hear it counting the memory but that's all. With the jumper in the "erase CMOS" position, the computer will boot,detect the hard drive, and CD then stops to give me the "CMOS checksum error" and the "CMOS battery failed" error. It says Press F1 to continue or press DEL to run setup. When I go into the setup and set date, time, floppy drives, etc. then save and exit, it boots and repeats the error message. If I press F1, it boots beautifully into Windows and runs fine. I can use the modem, play games, use it to do whatever I usually do. It will retain the date and time until I turn it off.I'm at a loss as to what else to do. I sure do appreciate your help.

[Bleeding Edge]

Okay. Lets get this done.
You have a PcChips M537+ motherboard.

It takes too long to navigate PcChips site now, so Get the BIOS image by following the link below.

www.ping.be/bios/ (http://www.ping.be/bios/)

Select BIOS Upgrades
Scroll down and select PcChips (give some thought to Note 6)
Choose the picame.com site
Select folder M537+ VXPro+Ultra
Download 5370430s.bin BIOS image.

Alright. You already have the flash utility for Award Bios', so lets make bootable system floppy from the command line (DOS Prompt.) Insert a floppy into the drive and type:
format A: /s

Next yuo have to get those two files copied onto the floppy you just made. So copy the .bin file and the Award flash utility .exe

Now all you have to do is boot from the floppy. If the program doesn't start by itself and your at the A: prompt, type the name of the utility awdflash and press the Enter key.

Oh, about those jumpers. You always want to leave it on the Normal position. Even when the BIOS is flashed. This is typical. So do it this way.

For your information, however, some board manufacturers require that the jumpers are completely off. Not on the normal or Reset pins when flashing the BIOS.

Additionally, some boards require the system to be shut down after the Bios has been flashed and the jumpers to be moved to the Clear (reset) CMOS position for a few seconds to reset the CMOS, then back to the normal position, THEN power on the system.
This you can do. Also note here that this is how the Clear CMOS pins work. You just momentarily use the jumper to short the appropriate pins then move it back to normal (while the system is off of course.)

After you power on, go directly in your BIOS to set whatever needs setting according to your machine -assuming things changed for the better.

If not, remember Note 6.

http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif I don't want to know if it didn't help http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Bleeding Edge (edited 03-21-99).]