Replace your motherboard's CMOS chip.
Your computer's CMOS (Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) or BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) chip is a small, battery-operated chip built into your motherboard. It stores data that allows your computer's hardware devices to communicate with the operating system. In many instances, a bad CMOS chip will result in boot-up errors and major system malfunctions. Replacing the chip is a risky procedure: since it is attached directly to the motherboard, you must pry the chip from the motherboard. If you don't know what you're doing, you can cause some serious damage to your computer.
Instructions
1. Power down your desktop. Unplug all power cables and external peripheral devices from the computer. Rotate the computer tower so the back panel is facing you and lay the computer on its left side. Remove the Phillips-head thumb screws fastening the right-side access panel to the computer. Remove the side panel to reveal the inside of your computer.
2. Locate the CMOS/BIOS chip on the motherboard. It is a small, square chip with pin connectors on all four sides. Use a PLCC removal tool to pry the chip out of the motherboard. The PLCC removal tool has grips that are specifically designed to remove fragile chips from the motherboard. Throw away the chip once it is removed.
3. Align the pin connectors on the new CMOS chip with the pin holes inside the motherboard. Gently press down on the chip's surface until all pins are firmly connected to the motherboard. This may take several attempts. The pin connectors bend and break easily. Don't rush the CMOS chip installation.
4. Replace the side access panel and its retention screws. Place the computer vertically and reconnect the cables and peripheral devices to the computer.
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