Hardware Problem

[bob2266622]

Recently the draw on my CDRW drive has been opening and closing randomly on its own meaning that I cannot use it which I thought may have been a software conflict. But then a few days later when going to turn on my PC I was just faced with a long beep (1/2 seconds) followed by a gap of the same length and the beep again which just keeps repeating this routine. After pressing and releasing the restart button many times I eventually get the PC to start.

When the BIOS screen appears I am usually faced with a message saying either 'CMOS checksum error-Defaults loaded' or 'Previous CPU setting incorrect, CMOS CPU speed adjusted to default' and then the system loads and runs fine until next time I come to switch it on.

I have tried replacing the CMOS battery and the RAM but it has not made any diffrence. At the moment I have replaced the old RAM and have disconnected the CDRW.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what the problem is and how I can solve it.

Cheers,
Bob.

[david eaton]

Welcom to the http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif.

What BIOS does your machine have? From that, the beep code can be understood.
Usually, the "checksum error" means a flat bettery, but as you have replaced it,that should be OK.

After changing the battery, did you go into the BIOS, and choose the "save settings on exit" option?

Why your CDRW is acting up may well be a faulty drive.
Your mention of a software conflict makes me wonder - have you run a spyware/trojan scanner, as this can also be the cause. Have you added any software recently?


David

[mjc]

Try unplugging the suspect CD drive, and replace the battery again.

Also a good scan is worth it. If you don't have an AV use one of the online scanners from the link in my sig.

[gopi_vs]

Resetting and clearing the CMOS is a good option. Also try flashing the ROM with the latest update.