nvram problem?

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I can’t win from my computer (pentium 200). Reinstalled win95 on reformatted disk, but still error messages, unable to restore image on c: drive – drive is ok (says scandisk). win seems ok, but when in explorer or other win program says something wrong with registry.
When I reboot, I often hear beeps and messages (while ‘checking nvram’) saying the memory is either increased or decreased (mostly to around 28mb). I have two 32mb sdram, both well fitted into motherboard. I vaguely remember hearing about battery problems. What could I do to regain access to my files? Could this also be a processor problem (but why then straight after reboot?)

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Hi
Check in the following files that there are no suspicious programs (such as virus checkers for DOS) that are trying to load.

• config.sys (root of C: drive)
• autoexec.bat ( ditto)
• System.ini (windows Directory)
• Win.ini ( ditto)
  [/list]NVRAM sounds very much as if Norton Antivirus could be in on the act, though I could be way off beam…

  What does the ‘unable to restore image on C: Drive’ refer to? It’s a long time since I used Win 95.

  Definitely change the CMOS battery. I trust it is one held in by a clip and not hard-soldered to your MB, otherwise you might have to take it to a service station.

  Rgds

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NVRAM=Non-Volitile Random Access Memory

ie non-flashable code in BIOS
ie BIOS settings

Needs new battery and should fix these error messages. As for windows, that’s another story.

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Hi
Oops! I was way off beam. I’m getting Nortonitis – thought I recognised the term, but the NV threw me in the direction of Symantec. Careless, I know.
Anyway, this serves to strengthen the suspicion. The problem is almost certainly a dying battery. Non-Volatile means the code doesn’t disappear when you switch off the power, but it is not hard-wired, so it needs current to keep it alive and refreshed. Remove the current and it will evaporate. However, the type of on-board battery you will have (I trust) loses it’s efficacy over a period – it doesn’t suddenly drop off, like an alkaline AA. This gives you time to notice what is happening and to do something about it.

Rgds

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Also check for a small fan inside the case. I have gone through three of the ######s (about one a year) and when that goes out you get these really weird random reactions.

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