Startup problem - any help gratefully received.

pagangirl

Hi - shut computer down sat pm no problems.

On starting up sunday/mon - got black screen, big long message, amongst other things said cover been previously removed

said to open in safe mode - done that, everything seems ok except date reverted back to 22/1/2003 and time to 00.00.

also getting message to say short on virtual memory - have checked all programs/my docs - doesn't come near what memory is used - C:/properties says used 7.23gb, spare 2.07gb.

Have done error check/disk clean up/defragged/emptied recycle bin - can't think what else to do.

Any advice on what happened???

Many Thanks - (only me using, so not caused by anyone else).

debitcardmayhem

It sounds like your battery is flat, and the date will reset , what PC is it anmd which version of windows have you got?

pagangirl

PC is Dell tower unit =
computer x 86, family model 6, model stepping 6, 256mb RAM. Using NTFS system

Has widows XP pro. version 2 service pack 2

date it reset to was the original install date.

Can you explain more re flat battery, as never come across that before

Thanks for help

debitcardmayhem

pagangirl wrote: »

PC is Dell tower unit =
computer x 86, family model 6, model stepping 6, 256mb RAM. Using NTFS system

Has widows XP pro. version 2 service pack 2

date it reset to was the original install date.

Can you explain more re flat battery, as never come across that before

Thanks for help

You need to buy a little battery and I don't currently have access to my home PC so I can't check but someone will tell you which one you need and also how to fit it. It is so easy , it is probly a [STRIKE]CR02[/STRIKE] no I won't guess someone will be along soon, if not I will be home in a bit (down the "library") . They cost next to nowt but don't always last 7 years

GunJack

PC CMOS batteries are usually a CR2032, round and flat about the size of a 10p coin. The system uses this to keep the internal clock going and save your BIOS settings, which may be why you're getting the error message.

Easy to do - take side panel off tower, locate battery sitting in push-in holder on motherboard, pop out old one using small screwdriver/toothpick/similar, and push new battery into holder

When you turn back on, you may need to enter BIOS (or Setup), by pressing DEL/F2/whichever key it advises on the splash screen, before windows starts, and load optimal settings (or similarly-worded option).

p.s. you may want a hoover handy for the dust inside the tower

JJ_Egan

also getting message to say short on virtual memory

check that it might have lost its settings or its just a one off but rather puzzling a s battery should not play a part .

Its under Advanced System Settings >>Performance > Settings >>Advanced

Virtual Memory click Change and check its set to Auto

jje

pagangirl

thanks - tried this - got as far as change - but no AUTO button. Mine is set to custom size. Only other buttons are for system managed file/no paging file.

GunJack

In XP, it's the System Managed Size you need....it's called Auto in Vista and W7

pagangirl

Thanks folks - done what JJ Egan & GunJack said re virtual memory

Have also done defrag/error check again. Malwarebytes scan & 10Bit scans say no virus.

GunJack.debitcardmayhem - thanks for info re battery. Will investigate where to get one & how much !!!

debitcardmayhem

pagangirl wrote: »

Thanks folks - done what JJ Egan & GunJack said re virtual memory

Have also done defrag/error check again. Malwarebytes scan & 10Bit scans say no virus.

GunJack.debitcardmayhem - thanks for info re battery. Will investigate where to get one & how much !!!

Pound shop cheapest , in the mean time when you start up press F2/Delete to get into BIOS and change the date first then escape/or F10 and save changes and let the PC carry on.

googler

GunJack wrote: »

p.s. you may want a hoover handy for the dust inside the tower

Not that this does NOT imply poking a full-size household vacuum cleaner right into the guts of your PC.

Take a very soft brush to the dust, and hoover it up from a distance. Wear a face mask so you don't inhale what you stir up.

Take precautions against static as well.