PC help: Broken Bios?

Q When my computer starts up an error message appears that says ‘CMOS Settings wrong. Press F1 to run setup. Press F2 to load default values and continue’.

Windows starts as normal after pressing F2 but the clock has returned to 00:00 and the date to 2 July 2002. Even though I have changed the date repeatedly, it returns to this date when the computer is shut down.
Derek Jarvis

A The problem here is that the small battery on the motherboard has run out. This battery is used to power the Bios when the computer is unplugged to keep various settings, including the date. This battery should be fairly simple to replace, although it does mean opening the case of the computer.

The required battery usually has the model number CR2032 and is about the size of a pound coin. Where it is fitted varies from computer to computer but it should be fairly easy to spot; sometimes it is mounted on its side. Carefully remove the old battery and fit the new battery in its place.

Once the battery has been fitted, the time and date must be set on the computer. Press F1 to enter the Bios setup. The time and date options will be on the first page. Use the arrow keys to select the different parts of the date and time and use the plus and minus keys on the number pad on the right of the keyboard to change them to the correct setting.

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