Computer Won't Boot Up

[Dave G]

I am running Windows XP Pro on a 3.4Gh Intel processor. The last time the
system was up I was experiencing some problems with it and I found some
duplicate entries in the device manager and deleted them. Now I am unable
to get the system to come up. It will power on but I can't even get to the
point where it will recognize the delete key and let me into CMOS. If I
remove the CMOS battery will that set CMOS back to default values?

Dave G

 

[Sharon F]

I am running Windows XP Pro on a 3.4Gh Intel processor. The last time the
system was up I was experiencing some problems with it and I found some
duplicate entries in the device manager and deleted them. Now I am unable
to get the system to come up. It will power on but I can't even get to the
point where it will recognize the delete key and let me into CMOS. If I
remove the CMOS battery will that set CMOS back to default values?

Hard to tell at this point if the deletion of devices had any impact or
not. Since the system will not even allow access to BIOS settings the
problem could be entirely unrelated to Windows.

Some thoughts:

If keyboard is USB, may want to try a PS/2 if you have one handy. If
something is awry in system settings, it may include the settings for USB
support this early in the start process. If keyboard is wireless,
definitely try something wired.

Some motherboards have a jumper that you use to "short" two pins to clear
values. Removing the battery should work too. My inclination in this
situation would be to refer to the motherboard manual and use the
recommended method. If manual is not handy, you should be able to grab a
copy online.

 

[Chelsea]

There is probably a jumper on your motherboard for clearing the bios. First
try completely disconnecting from the mains electricity ie pull the plug out
of the back of the machine-simply turning the machine off does not
completely remove power from the motherboard as some is required for
advanced power management hence switch off at the wall or withdraw the power
plug from the machine-leave it for a few minutes then reconnect it then
press the on button. Deleting things in device manager is very unlikely to
have caused this.

Chelsea