new pc requires CMOS reset every time to boot.

[Dan]

Hi everyone! Long time, no see. I'm back after a long absence with a scenario that's driving me nuts.

The specs: new barebones SFF from newegg, Sempron 1900 chip, 512MB DDR (one stick), Maxtor 120GB ATA HDD, WinXP w/SP2. All components are new

The problem: The system will not boot -- or reboot -- unless the CMOS is cleared each time.

This is the 2nd system I got with this scenario. I went nuts with the first one. Finally I decided it had to be a bad bios chip and returned the unit to newegg. This is the replacement system and it's "deja vu all over again."

 

[montag451]

IS it exactly the same problem?????

did you check that the CLRCMOS jumper is parked in the non reset position [sorry to insult your intelligence]

 

[Dan]

Yes, it is exactly the same problem. I must clear the cmos via the jumper on the mobo each time for the system to boot. (Putting the jumper back in the correct position each time.) Apparently the board is made by Jetway.

hhhmmm.... montag451 re-reading your post raises a question. What do you mean when you say "non reset position?" This is a standard deal: three pins with the jumper on pins 1 & 2 (default) which retains the settings or the jumper on pins 2 & 3 which clears the cmos.

I must move the jumper to pins 2 & 3 (unplug the unit) and let it sit for awhile. (Usually minutes while I wander off.....) I return the jumper to pins 1 & 2, plug it in and it boots up. (Assuming I hit the F1 key when it's called for.)

I can go into the cmos, set it up, save it (F10/yes) and exit to reboot. Alas, it won't reboot -- not even a beep -- unless I reset the cmos as above.

 

[Uncle Bob]

Montag has a point, I remember I once had troubles with a motherboard which was shipped with the jumper in the reset position

Could be a misprint, can't imagine there'd be any harm done trying the system with the jumper on pins 2 & 3

 

[montag451]

no harm at all to try what uncle says

 

[Dan]

Thanks for the suggestion. I gave it a try but the system doesn't boot with the jumper on pins 2 & 3. It will boot with the jumper on pins 1 & 2 after the cmos is cleared again.

 

[jackschmittusa]

You do remove the power cord when you reset the cmos right?

 

[Dan]

Yes, the power cord is removed each time.

 

[montag451]

Alright - lets look at this a bit slowly.....

You are using exactly the same setup/hw and exactly the same prob appears with 2 mobos that were the same manufacturer.
If it weren't for that, I would think it would be a mobo issue.
If we dismiss that for the time being, as that seems unlikely to have the same prob each time.

Can you disconnect EVERYTHING from the mobo and the power except for the psu and cpu.
What happens?