BIOS needs a jump start every boot

[gjwilson]

My freind has an older Sony desk top...seems to be all standard issue for 1995.It`s problem is that the BIOS loses it`s memory after every shutdown. I`ve replaced the battery but it still stalls at the video card screen and won`t POST. The only way it will boot is if you pull the BIOS battery and stick it back in then boot.I`ve made sure the battery has good contact with the board. My thoughts are that maybe the mobo has a short in it somewhere. What do you think??? Thanks, Gary

[NDD]

Check the PSU, it may be some power issue or shortage to case, like you think. Just Try to boot with another PSU, if you have spare somewhere.

Best Regards ...

[Sterling_Aug]

Write down all of the BIOS settings, then set the clear CMOS jumper or reset the BIOS to factory defaults.

[gjwilson]

I haven`t tried a different PS yet but I have reset the bios several times. It won`t even hold the current date and time from the bios setup to the desktop. I`m still thinking a short but I`ll try the PS if I have one. It`s a Sony and has an odd one. Gary

[KAknight]

Are you sure that the battery is in correctally? Ther usually is a metal clip holding the battery down. If this clip broke off it can cause a problem like this.

[gjwilson]

This one has like a spring clip pushing in from the side of the battery and a metal tab touching from underneath.It all looks intact.

[Sterling_Aug]

I would change the battery again.

[gjwilson]

Well...I think I`ve tried all the suggestions and no change. Same results with a new PS and a new battery. I`ve reset the bios to default settings and still the same. The ONLY way it will boot is if after shutting down, I pull out the battery and put it back in. It then will boot fine and, of course, tell me my time and date have to be reset. I`m strongly leaning towards a new mobo. Any last suggestions before I start searching eBay in the mainboard dept.? Gary

[BFlurie]

Sure you have the "Clear CMOS" jumper set to normal, not clear?

[gjwilson]

BFlurie......I thought about that,too so I`ve switched the CMOS jumper back and forth a couple times and also a recvr jumper. One good thing about this computer is that the jumpers are well marked.

[Sterling_Aug]

Have you tried flashing the latest version of the BIOS?
http://www.wimsbios.com/

[gjwilson]

Sterling_Aug...you know, I thought about that but I`ve never done that before and I didn`t want to start on someone elses unit.I`ve got a bid on a used board right now on eBay...only $5 so far...with a 30 day warranty so I think I`ll go with that and maybe play with the leftovers later. Gary

[johnqp]

I had a similar problem with my inlaws old 486 - except it would work fine until left off for a couple of days and then I would have to unplug and plug it back in (the CMOS battery) and reset the BIOS - unfortunately I never could figure out the problem no matter how many times I replaced the battery.
Sorry I couldn't give you a real answer but at least you know other people have experienced similar problems.

[gjwilson]

Thanks, johnqp. When I get my eBay bargain I`ll let you know if it does the same thing. Gary