Saving bios settings

[Frank0011]

My computer help recommends me to save all my BIOS settings as I now need to replace the CMOS battery. There appear to the multiple pages of these found on F2. Are they all relevant, and do I need to record everything that shows? Your help would be appreciated before I spend ages needlessly making notes. Frank.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Have a read of this Frank

 

Any problems get back to us.

 

Smart Computing Article - How To Install A CMOS Battery

[Goku]

Hello Frank. It is not necessary to remember all the BIOS settings, just the crucial or manually configured ones. Most BIOS are pre-configured with optimal settings and therefore there is no need to remember them. However, if you have changed some setting, especially to accomodate hardware, then it is important to retain the setting or the computer might not boot properly.

 

The most important settings, in my opinion, are boot order, temperature settings, RAM speed, etc. Hope that helps. :)

 

-- Goku

[Dalo Harkin]

Most BIOS' now have the option to save the settings at the bottom of the BIOS screen there is a setting called save BIOS and some have 10 or more slots (these are more common on overclocking boards now though)

but have a look it does save a massive amount of time.

As said before, unless you are overclocking in the first place all or most of the BIOS setting should be at 'default' anyway

[Plastic Nev]

As far as I know, correct me if wrong, but isn't the battery only for when the system is turned off? Edited November 8, 2008 by Plastic Nev

[Guest Wolfeymole]

A motherboard battery is like a tiny UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and will hold the BIOS settings for a certain length of time when mains power is disrupted.

 

As with all batteries this time becomes shorter with its lifespan.

 

Under no circumstances should a motherboard battery be changed whilst the power to the PC is on.

[Frank0011]

Thanks Wolfeymole, Goku, Dalo Harkin and Plastic Nev, I have read and digested your suggestions and will act accordingly when my fresh Cr2032 arrives. Regards, Frank.