k7s5a - love it but loses bios settings

[l333]

If I unplug my computer completely, the boot procees stops and gives me the checksum or something doesn't match and wants me to adjust the bios or load minimum defaults - it then has lost all my settings - in addition when I do get it reset and go into XP it has lost my "multimedia drivers" and wants to reinstall - of course it also has lost the correct time and date.

In addition - this occurs even if I leave power on and remove just one ide cable - if I forget to plug it back in and reboot of course it gives me the error message - so I shut down and plug the cable back in and all should be fine - it is not - it will then go directly to XP - but just because I left and cable off and plugged it back in XP again wants to reload my drivers - the bios is reset to defaults and date and time are wrong.

Yes of course I have replaced the battery. Anyone else suffer this with this ECS board - any solutions?

Thanks

 

[LostHiWay]

Try flashing to a new BIOS version or if you have the latest reflash it again.

 

[Peter]

The usual suspects for this symptom:

"CMOS Clear" jumper not moved to "Normal" position
Power Supply is too weak on +5V standby rail, 2A required.

Besides, lost CMOS RAM contents after touching the mainboard with bare fingers is quite common. Watch your ESD precautions.

regards, Peter

 

[Buz2b]

In addition - this occurs even if I leave power on and remove just one ide cable -

You should NEVER do this while the power is on. Too many problems can occur, not to mention the warning by Peter concerning ESD precautions. Check the CMOS jumper. If all is well, check the output on the 5v standby rail--should be on the sticker on the side of the PS. If that is OK, consider getting a new CMOS battery. Those boards were known to ship with "less than high quality" batteries at one time.

 

[Insidious]

WindowsXP will always want to load drivers if it sees an HD that was not there when it last shutdown (as would be indicated if/when your BIOS settings are lost). That is normal. It should do it automatically.

I ghost my system once a week or so and switch which of the HDs is operating. I see the WindowsXP has found a new device..... loading drivers.... etc. when drives are switched (same brand same size)

-Sid

PS: I second the motions about checking the clear CMOS jumper. (check that battery installation too)
PPS: Suspect any and all components you have removed or connected when the MoBo was powered up. (huge No-No)

 

[JackBurton]

I have the same problem here. CMOS jumper is set correctly, I put in a new battery for the CMOS, and I bought a new PSU for the board (Antec True 430W PSU), but I still get a BIOS reset after awhile. My HD light stays on most of the time (other times it work perfectly) too. And I don't do anything with my machine except shut it down and start it back up. I guess I'll try reflashing it with the new BIOS again. Other than that, this board has been nothing but perfect!

 

[Xionide]

i have that board too. and it does it on and off. i think its just a board flaw.

 

[bozo1]

I've built 4 or 5 systems with that board and it does it on 3 of them.

 

[JackBurton]

I've built 4 or 5 systems with that board and it does it on 3 of them.

Hmmm, 3 out of 4 or 5 ain't good! I think I might swap this board out for an Epox 8K5A2+. I like my system to work flawlessly! I don't like having my board settings reset every so often just out of the blue. Hopefully the Epox will meet my standards.

 

[Buz2b]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

I've built 4 or 5 systems with that board and it does it on 3 of them.

Hmmm, 3 out of 4 or 5 ain't good! I think I might swap this board out for an Epox 8K5A2+. I like my system to work flawlessly! I don't like having my board settings reset every so often just out of the blue. Hopefully the Epox will meet my standards.

You "gotta do what you gotta do" but I would add that myself and many others have built many systems with this board and HAVE NOT had this problem. At the most it was a bad battery once or twice. That Epox board is a definite winner but keep in mind that you are seeing the exception (about the ECS MB), not the rule. Just a couple of cents worth.

 

[Viperoni]

I just RMA'ed an 8KHA+ for the same problem, now my replacement board isn't posting at all

 

[JackBurton]

Oh ya! I just returned the board and exchanged it for the same board. Everything now works perfect! I'm VERY happy!