does it hurt to clear CMOS without the power completely disconnected?

[toyota]

I noticed in this thread http://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=31222.0 that it says to completely remove all power before clearing CMOS. all the user guide said was that the system needs to be powered off so to me that simply meant just turned off.

I have cleared my CMOS twice but both times it was not unplugged but simply turned off so did I risk damaging anything?

 

[Burner27]

Did you turn it off at the switch on the PSU? More than likely, no you didn't do anything but if power was still being fed to the mobo via the PSU's +5v rail (or is it -5v rail?) then yes you can cause issues. Going forward, unplug cord from PSU and hit the power button several times on your PC to discharge any leftover juice.

 

[toyota]

all I did was turn off the system, go around to the back of the pc and hit the "Clear CMOS" button. you would think they would be a little better in describing what to do in the user guide. again all it said there was the system should be powered off which to me means just turned off.

 

[GaiaHunter]

It is to avoid short-circuits caused by static electricity the same way you should unplug the power cord every time you remove your gpu or a hard drive, etc.

I wouldn't worry.