Strange Happenings ???

[millimolli]

Hopefully someone can help a semi-literate (at least about computers !!!)
person ............... ops:
On the odd occasion when switching on the computer, it reverts to 1030mhz instead of 1400mhz .this seems to put the whole computer out of synch ie date time etc ............................
What or rather why is this happening ????? and what can I do to correct same ???
Am running :-
Windows XP Professional
1400mhz AMD Athlon XP
128k primary memory cache
256k secondary memory cache
is there anything else you need to know ?????
Looking forward to some helpful advice , so thank you in advance !!!!!
Millimolli

[Dave@Bytes]

I think this could be a few things and it's hard to pinpoint this type of problem. If you haven't changed any of the clock speeds on the motherboard or in the BIOS, then it could be:

A bad or failing CPU
A bad timing crystal on the motherboard
Or dirty power

One thing that stands out is you said the date and time is off. Is it always off the same amout when you boot up? If yes, then try changing the CMOS battery on the motherboard. It looks like a giant watch battery. It the time seems erratic and looses time as you are on the computer, then the RTC chip on the motherboard is fritzing and you should probably just replace the motherboard.

Bad power coming in can also cause weird things to happen. If you had a spare power supply lying around, I'd say throw it in for fun, but most people don't.

My recommendation is to continue monitoring this weird behavior and try to eliminate anything I have suggested. Also, download tufftest lite from here http://www.tufftest.com/tt01-lite.htm and see if this free diagnostic tool has anything to add.
You'll need a blank floppy.

Let us know.

[millimolli]

Hallo Davepurc!
Thanks for your reply ......................now........................I did what you suggested and downloaded the ttlexe, made the diskette and followed all instructions !!!!!now the problem is that the puter when booting up totally ignores same !!!! What do I need to do to make this run ?????

Something you also metioned was the Bios settings .....well when I bought the puter they had set the amount at 1030 and when I had a problem with the loading of same they ( the people who built the puter.........Novatech )told me over the phone to change it to 1400 which I did (whilst they were on the other end of it I might add quickly to guide me through the process !!!!!) All was going fine until as I said before it started this looping back at boot-up to August 2001!!!!!! Does this make a difference ???

Also you mention that perhaps I need a battery change ........where abouts do I find that ??? ( remember that I am semi-literate ........operative word being Semi !!!!!! :?) You mention in the motherboard ?????? gulp !!!!!!

Sorry to be such a complete nuisance but I am trying (I promise) to get it all ok !!!!!
Milli ops:

[millimolli]

What's bad Power ???????? ops:
Milli xx

[Dave@Bytes]

Well, it soulds like you're losing your configuration settings in BIOS. If you go into BIOS setup, it probably says 1030MHZ again. This could be caused by the CMOS battery.

The problems with your floppy could be from the same.

The CMOS battery is on the motherboard. Looks to be just smaller than a quarter (I don't know the UK equivelant to the quarter ops: ) But you can buy a replacement from anyplace that sells watch batteries. Just take it out and bring it to the store with you. You will lose all setting in BIOS, so you might want to go in and write down your hard drive settings and anything else that might still be in tact. Chances are, these devices will be automatically detected by BIOS after you replace the battery--this is just a precaution.

This is really an easy repair. Just be careful not to break the tiny clips that hold the battery in place. Also, unplug the PC and touch the metal on the case to prevent electrostatic discharge that could damage your motherboard. Piece of cake.....total cost should be 3 bucks.

Good luck...let us know.

[millimolli]

Sorry I haven't relpied sooner but the page would not load up !!!!!
Will try putting in another battery when I get the courage up !!!!!! ops:
The thought of opening up the box of tricks fills me with dread !!!!But I will .......................................!!!!

(The Quarter you are referring too is monetary I assume , in which case its about the size of a 5p/10p piece in England !!! Apiece of useless information for you !!!!)

Thanks for all your help
Milli

[Dave@Bytes]

We've had some problems with our stupid server, but the problems seem to have been corrected.

As per your problem, replacing the battery is easy. You'll have no problems.