A question about resetting CMOS settings.

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Tyler Robinson

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Mar 10, 2015
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This is kind of random, but I'm studying for the A+ cert and something has been on my mind.

I recently learned that there are multiple ways to reset CMOS settings back to factory defaults. Two of the ways are to reseat the battery and to use the jumper that is found on the motherboard.

My question is, why have a jumper if you can just reseat the battery? When would you do one instead of the other?
 
Solution
Dunlop0078
Because removing the battery is a fiddly way to reset the BIOS, it doesn't always work. The CMOS is volatile memory meaning when it loses power all data stored is gone. To reset the BIOS by removing the battery the system must be unplugged from power and there cant be any remaining power in the capacitors, so after unplugging the system you should hold down the power button to purge any excess power. But even then I have failed to actually clear the CMOS by removing the battery before.

The jumper is easy just move it to another set of pins then back and it's cleared, you don't have to pry the battery out of the board and hope you managed to clear it when your done.
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Dunlop0078

Dunlop0078

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Feb 13, 2014
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Because removing the battery is a fiddly way to reset the BIOS, it doesn't always work. The CMOS is volatile memory meaning when it loses power all data stored is gone. To reset the BIOS by removing the battery the system must be unplugged from power and there cant be any remaining power in the capacitors, so after unplugging the system you should hold down the power button to purge any excess power. But even then I have failed to actually clear the CMOS by removing the battery before.

The jumper is easy just move it to another set of pins then back and it's cleared, you don't have to pry the battery out of the board and hope you managed to clear it when your done.
 
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Solution
SkyBill40

SkyBill40

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Oct 11, 2013
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Uh... ease of the reset? Depending on what is more accessible when the rig is built, one may be easier to do than the other. Bear in mind that's not a definitive answer, but it seems to be a logical choice. I've also seen it mentioned that the CMOS battery, if not removable, requires the use of the jumper reset. Additionally, some info says to remove both the battery AND use the jumper to clear it.
 
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