Help! "CMOS checksum error - Defaults Loaded"

[ronskees]

The subject is the error message I am getting when I turn on my computer. I am trying to set up an old computer (Abit TX5 MB,233 MMX Pentium)as a windows server for my home network. When I try to depress the delete key to get into the CMOS there is no response from the system, like the keyboard is locked out. I also tried F1, and Control-Alt-Delete and get no response from the system. I am using Award Plug and Play BIOS v1.0A. Is my MB gone or do I have some options, please help!

[ronskees]

Thanks, but my bios says to press the delete key to enter. I tried it anyway, no difference.

[Richard_Cranium72]

Check the battery voltage.

Try Escape too.

Here's a link to Jad's suggestion, this has several things besides what you're asking about also->>
http://www.geocities.com/jad1097/BIOSPASS.html

[Thud]

Howdy! I got my computer good and dorked up today, and reset the CMOS via a jumper on the motherboard. I'm pretty sure all this does is short the battery. When I rebooted, I got the same "Checksum Error..." message you're getting, but I got into the BIOS and on into Windows no problem. I'd guess the battery on your mobo might be dead- that'd explain why you get the "Checksum.." thing, but doesn't account for not responding to your keyboard input. You might start by replacing the battery and see what happens. I guess if this is totally bogus, it'll at least be worth the ^bump^, eh?! Best of luck.

[Jeff7]

Try flashing the BIOS.

[skeleton]

Try pressing the Insert key, if you haven't already. If just a one press doesn't do it, try keeping the Insert key pressed down for a moment to enter the bios. This works on some machines, so I hope this helps you.

[ronskees]

Thanks to all who have responded. I am going to replace the battery this weekend and see if that works. I cannot get the keyboard to respond durring the boot sequence so anything dependent on the keyboard will not work. The keyboard is functioning I used it on another computer to make sure.

[MaxVal]

I seem to remember something about a fuse located adjacent the keyboard connector. I'm sure it doesen't look like the glass fuse that comes to mind though...
Can you get a #lock or Caps lock light? If so it's not the fuse.
If not it points to the fuse. I have read about simply jumping the fuse.
MAX

[MaxVal]

I seem to remember something about a fuse located adjacent the keyboard connector. I'm sure it doesen't look like the glass fuse that comes to mind though...
Can you get a #lock or Caps lock light? If so it's not the fuse.
If not it points to the fuse. I have read about simply jumping the fuse.
MAX

[MaxVal]

I seem to remember something about a fuse located adjacent the keyboard connector. I'm sure it doesen't look like the glass fuse that comes to mind though...
Can you get a #lock or Caps lock light? If so it's not the fuse.
If not it points to the fuse. I have read about simply jumping the fuse.
MAX

[MaxVal]

I seem to remember something about a fuse located adjacent the keyboard connector. I'm sure it doesen't look like the glass fuse that comes to mind though...
Can you get a #lock or Caps lock light? If so it's not the fuse.
If not it points to the fuse. I have read about simply jumping the fuse.
MAX

[Thud]

Wow, that's the first quadruple post I've seen! If you go in to edit your post(s), there's a box you can check to delete the post. It's come in handy for me a time or two. Ronskees- keep us posted.

[sns]

It does sound like the fuse to the keyboard. I had that prob a bit at my last workplace. If it was a flat battery I would have thought the keyboard would still work regardless. On the newer boards there is a fuse that resets itself when it cools down. On the older boards they were soldered into place (you are right not glass) they look like a little resistor without the banding sometimes black or green in colour.
We would have a barcode scanning devise and the k/board on a T piece and sometimes it would be too much. Very ocassionally a dodgy k/board alone would take the fuses out but k/boards are so cheap now (But as you said you have checked it on another pc).
the fuses are easy to replace (most times) but if it means you have to borrow a soldering iron, then buy a single fuse and muck about it may not be worth it.