CMOS checksum error

[mraaron58]

First, I want to say that everyone on these forums is so helpful! I wouldn't have been able to build my computer without you guys!

Second, my problem. Whenever I startup the computer, I get a CMOS checksum error. It then says "Loading defaults" and "System in Safe Mode" and "Please change the CPU or Memory Bus" then "press f1 to continue or del to Change settings(BIOS)"

First I tried pressing F1. It began booting into Vista with the little loading screen, but when the loading was done. I got a BSOD and the screen went blank. I then shut it down and rebooted. The same thing happened.

So this time I pressed Delete. The BIOS screen loaded normally. So I tried to change some settings. When I press F10 to save the settings or when I tried to load settings from the CMOS, the screen goes blank. I cannot use the power button or the reset button. I use the Power supply switch instead. When I turn it back on it does not post.

So, I took out the battery and unplugged the power for 30 minutes. I turned it on and it posted, but I got the CMOS checksum error again.

Anybody have an ideas? Thanks a million. You guys are lifesavers.

[minsonngo]

That error usually means the CMOS battery died. You need to get a replacement and you will be all set to go.

[Cricket]

Please post the complete system specs for this computer and it's age.

Did it always do this or did this just happen?

Cricket

[mraaron58]

First, I will try the replacement battery. But my system specs are

ECS NF650iSLIT-A (V1.0) LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 2.18 Ghz
Antec Trio 550w PSU
A-DATA DDR2 800 2 x 1Gb Memory
EVGA 8800GTS
Seagate 300 GB HDD
Samsung 18x DVD+/-RW

The MOBO is fresh-out-of-the-box brand new, so I am skeptical about a dead battery. I got the checksum error the first time I booted up. So far I haven't been able to enter Windows.

Thanks for helping!

[minsonngo]

Since it the board is NIB... it is less likely the CMOS battery is dead.

Could be a faulty motherboard... ECS boards are usually a "hit or miss".

[LeftyAce]

Cheapest thing would be to replace the battery; if that doesn't fix it, you're looking at returning the motherboard, I think.

[mraaron58]

I replaced the CMOS battery and I am still getting checksum errors. I guess I have to send the board back.

This stinks. I've already sent back an Intel board because the sound wasn't working. Now this one has checksum errors. I just wish I could get one that works. Thanks for helping me out though!

[minsonngo]

Looks like the BIOS may have been corrupted.

Which board are you getting as a replacement? The same ECS one?

[LeftyAce]

Where'd you get the board? Can you get your money back and get an ASUS P5B? Very reliable manufacturer and a stable board....