Getting "CPU changed" message at boot-up

[cwilly8]

Before I left for work this morning, I used our PC, then turned it off. When I got to work, my wife called and said that during POST there was a message that CPU had changed - F1 to continue, or DEL to go to CMOS. She picked F1 which led her into activation of Windows XP. She could not proceed because connectivity could not be established. I told her to turn off the PC and wait until I get home.

More info about the PC follows, but my basic question is what could have happened. When I get home, it sounds like I won't have online support (PC not working). It sounds like a hardware issue perhaps, not software.

Windows XP Pro
DFI Ultra Infinity NFII motherboard
Athlon XP 2500 cpu
2 gig Corsair DDR

I had her restart the PC and read all the info on the POST. It indicates Athlon XP 1100, when in fact we have an Athlon XP 2500. Does this indicate some sort of CPU or motherboard problem?

Thanks!

 

[Harvey]

For some reason, sometimes, CMOS settings change. It may be as simple as the FSB changing back to the default 100 MHz, instead of the 133 or 166 MHz setting. It's less likely, but it may also have changed your multiplier setting.

If your chip is a Barton core, there are two FSB/multiplier combos, 133 MHz x 16 or or 166 MHz x 11. Double check to be sure which is yours. If that doesn't fix it, you can try clearing the CMOS and starting again. If you do, you'll have to reset all of your other preferences, as well.

If more settings, such as the date, time, etc. are off, you may need to replace the battery on your motherboard.

 

[cwilly8]

Thanks, Harvey. Excellent suggestions. I will check when I get home and let you know what I find.

 

[cwilly8]

Harvey, you are the man! I changed the battery in the motherboard, reset the BIOS to 166 Mhz (it had reverted to 100), and everything seems to be doing great. Oh, I noted that the BIOS clock had reset to 1/1/2002 as well.

I didn't have the CR2032 battery, but I had a CR2025, which is the same diameter and voltage, just a different thickness. But since it is spring-loaded into the socket, I think it will be OK for now, until I run to town and get a CR2032.

Thanks again.

 

[Harvey]

Originally posted by: cwilly8
I changed the battery in the motherboard, reset the BIOS to 166 Mhz (it had reverted to 100), and everything seems to be doing great. Oh, I noted that the BIOS clock had reset to 1/1/2002 as well.

Yeah, I edited my previous post to add the info about the battery and the time just after I posted it. Don't forget to check any other settings you use that aren't defaults.

I didn't have the CR2032 battery, but I had a CR2025, which is the same diameter and voltage, just a different thickness. But since it is spring-loaded into the socket, I think it will be OK for now, until I run to town and get a CR2032.

All other things being equal, a thicker battery usually has a longer life in the same application. If the one you used is the thinner one, it should hold until you get the right one. However, you'll probably have to reset your preferences again after you remove the temporary battery.

Thanks again.

YW, and happy HannuKwanzaRamaDistmas. :wine: :thumbsup:

 

[VirtualLarry]

I went looking for a CR2032 battery tonight, but couldn't find one.

Friend was having reboot problems with his AMD X2 3800+, after powering off, it doesn't want to power on again, unless you unplug the PSU, then it works. He also mentioned his clock was off, so I figure the battery could be going.

 

[lenjack]

2032's are not hard to find. I've seen them in drugstores, Walmart, Radioshack, department stores, etc.