IDE Configuration

[speedy]

Hi, I have downloaded xp service pack 3 and IE7. I am using XP home
edition. When i turn my PC on i now get an IDE configuration error message.
It resets the time and date back to 2004 and asks me to reset the time and
date every time i log on. Can someone please help me fix the problem?

Thanks

 

[Patrick Keenan]

Hi, I have downloaded xp service pack 3 and IE7. I am using XP home
edition. When i turn my PC on i now get an IDE configuration error
message.
It resets the time and date back to 2004 and asks me to reset the time and
date every time i log on. Can someone please help me fix the problem?

Thanks

These messages actually have nothing at all to do with Windows, service
packs, or any OS at all. If it looks like it is the result of anything,
it's a coincidence.

What's happening is that the battery on the motherboard is failing, and the
BIOS is losing its configuration settings - and the date.

To fix this, power the system down, unplug it from AC, and open the case.
Locate the battery, which will look like a nickel. Write down the battery
type, then go get a new one. Many drugstores carry these, camera shops,
any kind of electronics shop. It may be around $5. Pull out the old
battery, put the new one in, properly dispose of the old battery. Close
the case.

Plug the system in, go through the BIOS settings once again to set the date
properly and any other changes needed, and you're done. You shouldn't
have to do this again for a few years.

HTH
-pk

 

[Twayne]

These messages actually have nothing at all to do with Windows,
service packs, or any OS at all. If it looks like it is the result
of anything, it's a coincidence.

What's happening is that the battery on the motherboard is failing,
and the BIOS is losing its configuration settings - and the date.

To fix this, power the system down, unplug it from AC, and open the
case. Locate the battery, which will look like a nickel. Write down
the battery type, then go get a new one. Many drugstores carry
these, camera shops, any kind of electronics shop. It may be around
$5. Pull out the old battery, put the new one in, properly dispose
of the old battery. Close the case.

Plug the system in, go through the BIOS settings once again to set
the date properly and any other changes needed, and you're done. You
shouldn't have to do this again for a few years.

HTH
-pk

Yes. Loss of system time-keeping is often the first indication of a
dying battery.