Old motherboard problem

Marmaduke · #1 06-16-2007, 05:35 AM

Hi all. I have a "old" computer running Windows 98SE. Motherboard is a Abit BH6 with a 400Mhz P2. Recently started getting a "checksum error" when posting. I replaced the motherboard battery. Now I'm getting a CPU error, check Soft Menu. CPu is posting at 266Mhz. If I go into Soft Menu and change the CPU from 266 back to 400Mhz, Save and Exit, reboot, the CPU is back at 266Mhz with the same check Soft Menu error message.

I have re-seated the CPU, I have tried two other CPU's I have laying around, still the same error message. I can boot into Windows, but then the Dxdiag report shows CPU at 266Mhz. I'm not getting the checksum error message anymore, but occasionally when I re-boot, I have to reset the time. Possible bad "new battery?"

Anyone have any ideas? Time for a newer computer?

harry12 · #2 06-16-2007, 10:24 AM

A "NewPC"! is a coward's answer! It is possible something has croaked its last, but why not check the battery? Almost any multimeter will give you a reading of about 3.6v (if it's a lithium as most are now, numbers like CR2032)...pity you didn't tell us the battery pt no....!
In my experience PC should tell you if the battery is down...and offer to apply "defaults"....when it boots.
It sounds like you've tried the most likely issues ... think back - has something happened recently that might point to a cause?

Marmaduke · #3 06-18-2007, 04:40 AM

Battery is a 2032. Haven't checked the voltage yet. I initially was getting a checksum error message. When I replaced the battery, I stopped getting the checksum error message and got the check SoftMenu message.
Nothing has changed in months. This computer is sitting in the basement and is used for internet browsing. AV is up to date. It still works, so I didn't feel like pitching it for a newer one yet.
Right now, other than the CPU speed not "sticking", it still works. It gives me the option of hitting F1 to continue to boot or enter the Bios.