Question

Warning! Now system is in safe mode. Please re-setting CPU frequency in CMOS setup.

Asked by: MCN33

Whiat is wrong with my PC?
I need help fixing this error at bootup:

Warning! Now system is in safe mode.
Please re-setting CPU frequency in CMOS setup.

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Asked On
2006-09-28 at 20:27:23ID22007034
Tags

safe

,

system

,

now

,

cpu

,

mode

Topic

General Computer Systems

Participating Experts
2
Points
500
Comments
14

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Answers

 

by: garycasePosted on 2006-09-28 at 22:00:14ID: 17625238

Have you been overclocking the CPU?

This could be (a) CMOS is not retaining the correct settings;  (b) a failed CPU;  or (c) a failed motherboard.   There are a few other options, but those are the most likely.

For (a) simply replace the CMOS battery on the motherboard.   Only a couple dollars, and an easy thing to check.

For (b) or (c) it's more complex.   Examine the motherboard VERY carefully (use a flashlight and perhaps a magnifying glass) to see if there are any signs of leaking or bulging capacitors.

But before doing any of the above, do a CMOS reset --> unplug the system; remove the CMOS battery for ten minutes; and then replace it.   See if that helps.

 

by: nobusPosted on 2006-09-29 at 00:29:55ID: 17625637

you can also try the default settings in the bios. even simpler :-)

 

by: MCN33Posted on 2006-09-29 at 08:35:38ID: 17628279

Need more details on changing defualt settings.

 

by: garycasePosted on 2006-09-29 at 08:40:53ID: 17628328

Just go into BIOS Setup and there should be an option to "reset BIOS defaults".   Resetting the CMOS does that as well (and also clears all other parameters).

 

by: MCN33Posted on 2006-09-29 at 09:48:24ID: 17628902

Already did this and no impact.  I thought maybe I needed more specifics like how to reset the clock speed.

 

by: nobusPosted on 2006-09-29 at 09:53:24ID: 17628938

time for some other things.
does it still run ok? then maybe a bios upgrade can help you out.
you can aslo do some testing : ram :   www.memtest.org/      

 

by: garycasePosted on 2006-09-29 at 09:54:18ID: 17628944

As I noted earlier, you may simply have a failed CPU or motherboard => have you looked carefully for defective capacitors?   ... also, have you recently made any changes to the system?  ... updated the BIOS?  etc.

 

by: MCN33Posted on 2006-09-29 at 09:58:53ID: 17628984

GaryCase, Thank you for your help!  I will give you the points.

I'm not near that PC until tonight, however, the problem started after a power backup caused the PC to reboot like 4 times in a row.  Something must have caused it to do this.  I have gone into BIOS to try to reset (and nothing happens to the message).  The PC does have an AMD processor which may be causing the problem too.  Not sure if this help you understand my issue better.

 

by: garycasePosted on 2006-09-29 at 10:03:50ID: 17629007

You're welcome.   Rapid power fluctuations can definitely cause problems ... and if the CMOS reset didn't help it's most likely the motherboard;  but the CPU could also be the cause here (unfortunately there's no simply way to determine which).   HOWEVER ... you might try a BIOS update, just in case the BIOS was corrupted by the power glitches ==> BUT be aware that is a bit dangerous with a misbehaving system;  since a bad BIOS flash can destroy the motherboard [of course it may very well be bad anyway ... so from that perspective it can't hurt to try it :-) ]

 

by: MCN33Posted on 2006-09-29 at 10:07:15ID: 17629026

So for the BIOS update can you walk me though the steps.  I keep trying reset defaults but nothing seems to change.  I must be going something wrong.  Are there specific setting I can change?  I just don't know which one's or how to change them.

 

by: garycasePosted on 2006-09-29 at 10:23:54ID: 17629134

If you're selecting "reset defaults" AND are exiting the BIOS with the "Save Changes" option, then there's a more fundamental problem.   As I noted, you could try re-flashing the BIOS and see if that helps ... but if it doesn't work the motherboard's likely a goner (of course it may be already).   I might be able to provide more specific details if you post the make/model of your motherboard.

 

by: MCN33Posted on 2006-09-29 at 13:28:29ID: 17630552

I the motherboard really a goner since I always just press F1 to bypass this initial screen.  The PC works fine - I Just wanted to solve the issue.  I doubt that the PC is really in Safe Mode after I press F1.  I don't see the Safe Mode text in the 4 corners of the screen like I usually do in safe mode.

Are there specific BIOS settings I can change to get rid of the message and avoid pressing F1 all the time?

 

by: garycasePosted on 2006-09-29 at 17:49:10ID: 17632330

XP is not in Safe Mode ... but the BIOS message is probably telling you it's loaded what are usually called "fail safe" defaults => meaning very conservative settings that should allow the system to run okay.   If it's running fine after you press F1 then you're having a problem with the CMOS retaining its settings.   Did you replace the CMOS battery (as I suggested in the first post) ??

 

by: MCN33Posted on 2006-10-02 at 07:11:27ID: 17643504

I'll try the CMOS battery reset.  I was hoping not to have to get into the hardware.  Thanks again.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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