clear CMOS before boot or mobo=dead

Hi y'all. I got such great response from my last post that I thought I'd try this one out on you, too!

I''ve got a fairly old MS-6156VA motherboard, with a pII-350, which for some reason, refuses to start up unless I flash the BIOS each time. Otherwise, there is virtually no activity whatsoever, except maybe a little Fan movement when you flick the switch. It restarts fine, and will occasionally turn on again, although I haven't worked out why (possibly after shorter intervals, if you catch my drift).

Although its a complete stab in the dark, I'm thinking this might be a battery problem? as I said, it randomly turns on again, and if it is after shorter intervals then maybe the battery keeps running out? can this happen?

If anyone has any ideas I'd appreciate them loads (because it would mean I'd be able to use a 700 athlon for redHat)

Hope you can help me out,
Mark

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<b>free hot birdy with <i>Phroenyx</i></b> <P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by phroenyx on 07/26/02 10:26 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

erm - I presumed the Time/date is lost whenever you flash it anyway? if that isn't true then "no, it doesn't stay."

think I'll probably try changing it anyway, as you say, they're cheap enough! if it doesnt' work I'll be back to heckle you some more.

cheers for the prompt response,
p

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<b>free hot birdy with <i>Phroenyx</i></b>

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by Phroenyx on 07/29/02 11:32 AM.</EM></FONT></P>