I have an older ECS P4S5A/DX v5.1A motherboard (circa 2002 model) that I used to build a gaming machine for my four year son. The motherboard BIOS will randomly revert back to its default settings for no apparent reason. I can set it up again and it can hold for hours, days, or even weeks. But at some point it will go back to default. It doesn't matter if it's starting from a cold boot or a reboot.
I've flashed it with the latest BIOS version more than once thinking that maybe it didn't take the first time. I've changed the battery. I've tried a jumper reset. I honestly can not think of any other reason for it to do this.
In default mode, the BIOS clock reverts to 100MHz and my 2.4GHz P4 runs at 1.8GHz. My son can't tell the difference.
Outside of letting the machine run 24/7, I'm not sure what else I can do. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance!
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Question
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Answers (4)
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Votes
Change the battery.....
Sounds as if the battery is low/dead and BIOS will revert to default when it looses the ability to save the settings.
3rd Sep 2008
Replies
I second that.
---TK---
3rd Sep 2008
I'll buy another battery and give it a shot.
If that doesn't work, another option I haven't tried is rolling back one version on the BIOS.
http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Downloads/ProductsDetail_Download.aspx?detailid=38&DetailName=Bios&DetailDesc=P4S5A/DX%20%20(V5.1A)&CategoryID=1&MenuID=82&LanID=0
I'm using v37498. There's a v37470 available. Both have the same release date. It's also worth a shot.
Will let you know...thanks.
If that doesn't work, another option I haven't tried is rolling back one version on the BIOS.
http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Downloads/ProductsDetail_Download.aspx?detailid=38&DetailName=Bios&DetailDesc=P4S5A/DX%20%20(V5.1A)&CategoryID=1&MenuID=82&LanID=0
I'm using v37498. There's a v37470 available. Both have the same release date. It's also worth a shot.
Will let you know...thanks.
g0dFather
3rd Sep 2008
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I agree with ThumbsUp2
Check your Motherboard Manual for the location. P4S5A/DX
http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Downloads/ProductsDetail_Download.aspx?detailid=38&DetailName=New&DetailDesc=P4S5A/DX%20%20(V5.1A)&CategoryID=1&MenuID=82&LanID=0
Use this jumper to clear the contents of the CMOS memory. You may need to clear the CMOS memory if the settings in the Setup Utility are incorrect and prevent your mainboard from operating. To clear the CMOS memory, disconnect all the power cables from the mainboard and then move the jumper cap into the CLEAR setting for a few seconds.
JP4 3-pin Clear CMOS jumper
1-2: Clear CMOS
2-3: Normal
As already suggested change the Battery as you may have installed one that is not holding sufficent charge.
Keep us informed as to your progress if you require further assistance.
If you think that any of these posts have solved or contributed to solving the problem, please Mark them as Helpful so that others may benefit from the outcome.
http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Downloads/ProductsDetail_Download.aspx?detailid=38&DetailName=New&DetailDesc=P4S5A/DX%20%20(V5.1A)&CategoryID=1&MenuID=82&LanID=0
Use this jumper to clear the contents of the CMOS memory. You may need to clear the CMOS memory if the settings in the Setup Utility are incorrect and prevent your mainboard from operating. To clear the CMOS memory, disconnect all the power cables from the mainboard and then move the jumper cap into the CLEAR setting for a few seconds.
JP4 3-pin Clear CMOS jumper
1-2: Clear CMOS
2-3: Normal
As already suggested change the Battery as you may have installed one that is not holding sufficent charge.
Keep us informed as to your progress if you require further assistance.
If you think that any of these posts have solved or contributed to solving the problem, please Mark them as Helpful so that others may benefit from the outcome.
3rd Sep 2008
0
Votes
New battery didn't fix the problem...
I put a brand new Energizer CR2032 in the machine and it still randomly resets. It's an old board so I'm beginning to think it made be a faulty component.
My next test will be to roll back one BIOS version and see what that does. Again, will keep you posted.
My next test will be to roll back one BIOS version and see what that does. Again, will keep you posted.
22nd Sep 2008
0
Votes
OK
If the battery is not at fault it is more than likely that the RTC Chip has gone bad.
If it doesn't matter to your son and it is only for games just keep it running as is. It will eventually fail its just that some of those older PC's seem to outlast the newer ones.
Keep us informed as to your progress if you require further assistance.
If you think that any of the posts that have been made by all TR Members, have solved or contributed to solving the problem, please Mark them as Helpful so that others may benefit from the outcome.
If it doesn't matter to your son and it is only for games just keep it running as is. It will eventually fail its just that some of those older PC's seem to outlast the newer ones.
Keep us informed as to your progress if you require further assistance.
If you think that any of the posts that have been made by all TR Members, have solved or contributed to solving the problem, please Mark them as Helpful so that others may benefit from the outcome.
22nd Sep 2008
