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Invalid electronic serial number

When cold-booting a compaq deskpro 4000, there are key-like symbols across the bottom of the screen followed by the message "Invalid electronic serial number". Next I need to use F1 to boot.
Is there any way to correct this message which has just recently been appearing?
Thanks
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hewittg

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ASKER

Since we are on spring break this week, I will have to try your answer on May 1.
Thank you

Ps The systems board was not replaced, but I have had problems with teachers properly shutting down the computers each night.
Custodians turn off the circuit breakers.
Ok,
Just hope it helps.

If not, let me know.

Glenn
Wonder if it could be the battery going bad, and it is losing the CMOS setup causing this error to pop up, this is just a wild guess
When systems are improperly shut down the os and any other programs running or loaded up in the background stand a good chance of becoming corrupt.
If this happens often some files including the os and extended bios area {on most Compaq the majority of the bios and setup is flashed on the hdd}may have been corrupted.
Reflashing with the softpaq may solve this problem.
I hope this helps.
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ASKER

Couldn't wait until Monday so I went into school today and used your advice to correct the problem.
Thank you so much.