1. I suspect general motherboard failure.
2. System Loses Time, Settings, or gives Dead Battery errors.
3. Battery Only Works Sometimes.
4. I can't figure out how to get into setup!
5. I changed the CMOS settings and it doesn't show!
6. The motherboard is cracked!
7. There's a bent pin on the board!
8. The ZIF socket is stuck!
9. My cache is broken!
10. I installed a Pentium Overdrive, and the cache broke!
11. How can I find the latest chipset drivers for my motherboard?

Use the information below at your own risk. See "Terms of use"

I suspect general motherboard failure.

Okay. Here's some things to check.

* Are the minimum things needed to boot present? A barebone working system includes a motherboard, processor, a full bank of memory, a video card, and a drive to boot off of. If these things are not there, it will not work. Are these things all properly connected?

* Try removing everything else one by one and try to narrow down the problem.

* Are the jumper settings correct? You must set jumpers correctly for processor type, speed, voltage, bus speed, etc. Consult the manual.

* If you tried to streamline the BIOS, return all settings to default.

* Is the motherboard in good shape? Any cracks, bent pins?

* Is there enough power? If you are adding more or newer components to an old system, your power supply might not be powerful enough. A mainstream power supply is 230 or 250 watts.

* Troubleshoot other hardware in computer.

* Check around the net and see if there is a known "bug" on your particular motherboard. Check the manufacturer's web site to see if there are any updates for it.

* If you recently had a bad rain storm with lightning and have no surge protection on the computer, you could also have a fried motherboard due electric surge.

[Top]

System Loses Time, Settings, or gives Dead Battery errors.

This one's easy...the battery is dead! Replace it. [Top] Battery Only Works Sometimes. Sometimes the battery works fine. Then, sometimes you get errors, or your setting are gone and the computer forgets what time it is. In many cases, this is because the battery is getting low and is losing voltage. It could also be a bad connection between the battery and the motherboard.

[Top]

I can't figure out how to get into setup

Every computer is different on what key combination will take you into it's setup program. It a factor of what BIOS version and maker you have. But, immediately after booting the machine, look on the screen for the keys to hit. In many cases this info is at the bottom of the screen. It will say "Press "X" to enter Setup" or something like that where "X" is the key(s) to hit.

[Top]

I changed the CMOS settings and it doesn't show

When exiting the CMOS setup after changing settings, make sure you choose "Save and Exit" to leave. Choosing "Exit Without Saving" my accident will cause you to have this problem.

[Top]

The motherboard is cracked Well,

unfortunately, this means you will have to buy a new board. You can't repair it. To prevent it in the future, make sure the motherboard has plenty of support to prevent flexing. And be careful when pressing cards into the board.

[Top]

There's a bent pin on the board If its just bent,

carefully bend it back with pliers and the power turned off and unplugged. If its actually broken, there is nothing you can do. You will have to buy a new board, or if it still works, live with it.

[Top]

The ZIF socket is stuck

I don't know how common of a problem this is, but I had it with one of my older boards, so it came to my attention. These sockets become stuck with the same CPU after many years. It is possible to remove it, but you risk breaking the socket. First, rock the lever back and forth a bit. It might loosen. Apply gentle pressure. Do not force it!

[Top]

My cache is broken

The cache may be bad. Try narrowing it down by disabling it in the BIOS. If your problem stop, then the cache is to blame. If this isn't it, then make sure it is the right kind of cache, if you added it yourself. Is the cache inserted in the slot correctly? Check to see if you bumped anything else out of place when installing the cache.

[Top]

I installed a Pentium Overdrive, and the cache broke

Sometimes, installing an Overdrive processor can result in the secondary cache being disabled. This is usually caused by a BIOS that is not compatible with the Overdrive processor.

[Top]

How can I find the latest chipset drivers for my motherboard?

Downloading the updated drivers for your Motherboard will ensure its optimum performance as well as trouble-free operation. Updated drivers can also provide for additional functionality as well. Use the links below to identify and download the different motherboard drivers available.

Note:
The chipset type is different from the actual motherboard manufacture. Find out who manufactured the actual chipset architecture used on your motherboard.

<>Intel Motherboards:

Chipset software For IDE Hard Drives, download the latest Intel Application Accelerator Intel Application Accelerator RAID Edition For RAID setups on current Intel chipsets, download the Intel Matrix Storage Manager.

<>SiS Motherboards:

Chipset Software

<>VIA Motherboards:

VIA Hyperion Drivers

<>Nvidia Motherboards:

nForce Drivers