The Ultimate Guide to Restoring BIOS Settings by Clearing the Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)
How to Clear CMOS
Below are three very different ways to clear CMOS. Any one method is as good as any other but you may find one of them easier, or whatever problem you might be having may restrict you to clearing the CMOS in a particular way.
## Reset CMOS With the "Factory Defaults" Option The easiest way to clear the CMOS is to[enter the BIOS setup utility](https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-enter-bios-2624481) and choose to**Reset BIOS Settings** to their factory default levels.The exact menu option in your particular motherboard’s BIOS may differ but look for phrases like_reset to default_ ,factory default ,clear BIOS ,load setup defaults , etc. Every manufacturer seems to have their own way of wording it.
The BIOS Settings option is usually located near the bottom of the screen, or at the end of your BIOS options, depending on how it’s structured. If you’re having trouble finding it, look close to where the_Save_ or_Save & Exit_ options are because they’re usually around those.
Finally, choose to save the settings and then restart the computer.
The directions linked above detail how to access your BIOS utility but don’t specifically demonstrate how to clear the CMOS in your BIOS utility. It should be easy enough, however, as long as you can find that_reset_ option.
Clear CMOS by Reseating the CMOS Battery
Dell Inc.
Another way to clear CMOS is to reseat the CMOS battery. By disconnecting and then reconnecting the CMOS battery, you remove the source of power that saves your computer’s BIOS settings, resetting them to default.
Start by making sure your computer is unplugged. If you’re using a laptop or tablet, make sure the main battery is removed, too.
Next,open your computer’s case if you’re using a desktop PC, or find and open the small CMOS battery panel if you’re using a tablet or laptop computer.
Every laptop is different. Some may have a small battery compartment with its own cover, but many don’t. Instead, it may be in the same compartment where you will find the hard drive(s) and/or RAM chips and/or Wi-Fi radio(s). Sometimes you will need to remove the whole back cover.
Finally, remove the CMOS battery for a few minutes and then put it back in. Close the case or battery panel and then plug in, or reattach the computer’s main battery.
Laptops & Tablets: The CMOS battery shown here is wrapped inside a special enclosure and connects to the motherboard via the 2-pin white connector. This is an increasingly common way that manufacturers of small computers include a CMOS battery. Clearing CMOS, in this case, involves unplugging the white connector from the motherboard and then plugging it back in.
Desktops: The CMOS battery in most desktop computers is much easier to find and looks like a standard cell-type battery like you’d find in small toys or traditional watches. Clearing CMOS, in this case, involves popping the battery out and then putting it back in.
If your computer is more than 5 years old this might be a great time to replace the battery. Eventually, these batteries do die and it’s better to replace them on your own terms than have to deal with it later when you are in the middle of an important project.
## Clear CMOS Using This Motherboard Jumper Yet another way to clear the CMOS is to short the_CLEAR CMOS_ jumper on your motherboard, assuming your motherboard has one. Most desktop motherboards_will_ have a jumper like this but most laptops and tablets_will not_ .Make sure your computer is unplugged and then open it up. Look around your motherboard’s surface for a jumper (as shown in the picture) with theCLEAR CMOS label, which will be located_on the motherboard_ and near the jumper.
These jumpers are often located near the BIOS chip itself or next to the CMOS battery. Some other names by which you might see this jumper labeled include_CLRPWD_ ,PASSWORD , or even just_CLEAR_ .
Move the little plastic jumper from the two pins it’s on over to the other pins (in a 3-pin setup where the center pin is shared) or remove the jumper entirely if this is a 2-pin setup. Any confusion here can be cleared up by checking the CMOS clearing steps outlined in your computer or motherboard manual.
Turn the computer back on and make sure that the BIOS settings have reset, or the system password is now cleared — if that’s why you were clearing CMOS.
If everything is good, turn off your computer, return the jumper to its original position, and then turn the computer back on. If you don’t do this, CMOS will clear on every restart of your computer!
## Why Clear CMOS?One reason to reset CMOS is to help troubleshoot or solve certain computer problems or hardware compatibility issues. Many times, a simple BIOS reset is all you need to get a seemingly dead PC back up and running.
You might also want to clear CMOS to reset a BIOS or system-level password, or if you’ve been making changes to BIOS that you suspect have now caused some kind of problem.
After Clearing CMOS
After clearing the CMOS you may need to access the BIOS setup utility and reconfigure some of your hardware settings. While the default settings for most modern motherboards will usually work just fine, if you’ve made changes yourself, like those related tooverclocking , you’ll have to make those changes again after resetting BIOS.
What Settings Are in the BIOS?
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for letting us know!
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
Tell us why!
Other Not enough details Hard to understand
Submit
Also read:
- [New] Innovative Tools for Cutting-Edge Xbox Gaming Recordings
- [New] Mastering Facebook Bio Writing Essential Tactics for Success for 2024
- [New] Successfully Sending Videos in Facebook Chat A Quick Fix Guide for iPhone/Android
- [Updated] 2024 Approved GoPro's Top 5 Marine Filter Companions
- [Updated] Entryway Investments Cost-Effective Channels for Newbies
- [Updated] Frozen Frontiers Highlights From Beijing's Winter Games
- 2024 Approved Omni-Angle Mounting Mechanisms
- 2024 Approved Ultimate Guide Snowboarding/Skiing with High-Quality Cams
- 6 Solutions to Fix Error 505 in Google Play Store on Xiaomi 14 Pro | Dr.fone
- A Deep Dive Into ChatGPT: How It Works and Its Impact
- Accelerate Speech Preparation with PechaKucha Techniques
- Boost Academic Performance with These 10 Outstanding Apps for Teens in High School
- Buying a Projector? Top 5 Things You Should Know First!
- Connect the Dots with NYT's Latest Insights: Unveiling Connection Strategies on Aug 19 (#435)
- Craft Your Channel's Moniker YouTube Naming Tools and Tips
- Decoding Digital Gestures: Understanding What 'Swipe Left' And 'Swipe Right' Really Signify
- Discover How to Master This Morning’s NYT Connections Challenge - Answer for July 31 (#416)
- Essential Factors in Choosing Your Perfect Projector
- Essential Strategies: Overcoming Common Issues When Skype Fails to Connect
- Federal Support for Affordable Online Access Ceased by U.S. Authorities
- Get Ahead of the Curve with Tesla Robotaxi Insights: Projected Pricing, D-Day & Tech Details Uncovered!
- Guide to Turning Off Safety and Amber Warnings on iPhones Efficiently
- Hope on the Big Screen Top 10 Cinematic Power-Ups
- How Google Dominates the Market: A Violation of U.S. Antitrust Regulations
- How To Change Your SIM PIN Code on Your Gionee Phone
- How to Fix Oleaut32.dll Not Found or Missing Errors
- How to Reactivate Your Frozen Apple Watch Digitizer
- In 2024, Browsing Woes? Solve the Black Screen Mystery on Chrome/Safari Facebook Live
- In 2024, Top 15 Augmented Reality Games Like Pokémon GO To Play On Oppo F23 5G | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Top IMEI Unlokers for Your Realme 12 Pro 5G Phone
- In-Depth Analysis and Thoughts on the Revolutionary Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni – The Pinnacle of Automated Domestic Hygiene
- July 14Th New York Times Quiz: Insightful Tips & Solutions - #399 Edition
- July 5Th Insights From the New York Times - Unlocking Connection #390
- Karaoke Fun on a Budget: Find Your Perfect KTV Spot Under 150 Dollars
- Mastering macOS Privacy Settings: How to Display Hidden Files with Terminal Techniques
- May 19 New York Times Crosswords Exposed: Tips and Answers for Brain-Teasing Challenges #343
- Programming Made Easy: How to Connect Various Devices to a Single Universal Control Unit
- Proton VPN Launches Wider Anti-Censorship Initiative Across Additional Nations
- Ring, Sound, Repeat A Comprehensible Guide to Personalization on Android Devices
- Sequential Watch of The Matrix Films: A Comprehensive Guide
- Step-by-Step Process to Show Hidden Files in macOS Terminal
- Step-by-Step Solutions for Correcting Error 0X80004005
- TCL Launches Latest Innovations: 19 Fresh Additions to Q and S Series Smart TVs
- The Challenge Before Tech Leaders: Eliminate the Scam Ad Epidemic
- Top 10 Telegram Spy Tools On Vivo G2 for Parents | Dr.fone
- Top 7 Advantages of Choosing Cloud Storage Instead of Traditional Local Backups
- Top Rated Samsung Smart TV Applications in 2# Actual Year
- Troubleshooting Tips: Correcting a 401 Unauthorized Mistake on Your Site
- Unusual Food Hacks: Why Google Advises Against Using Non-Edible Substances
- WhatsApp Introduces an Expanded Array of New Emojis and Graphics
- Title: The Ultimate Guide to Restoring BIOS Settings by Clearing the Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)
- Author: John
- Created at : 2024-09-09 09:13:50
- Updated at : 2024-09-10 09:13:50
- Link: https://techno-recovery.techidaily.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-restoring-bios-settings-by-clearing-the-complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor-cmos/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.