On Startup “Invalid Configuration please run Setup”

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One of our computers, a Dell Dimension 3000 desktop running WinXP-SP3 has begun displaying a black screen at start-up with the BIOS details then “Invalid Configuration please run Setup” – then a line saying it is resetting configuration and finally invites to press F1 to continue of F2 to enter Setup. Once I ptess F1 the computer starts normally and seems to run without any other problems. I updated the BIOS to the latest version (A03) and that appeared to fix the problem for a few days then it recurred.

I am beginning to suspect that the hard drive may be about to die – the computer is four years old, but only runs three or four days a week for say 6 – 8 hours each time. Is that likely to be the cause?

Any other suggestions would be most welcome.

Noel

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I moved your post to WinXP Forum where it might get the most XP experienced viewers (just in case it IS an OS problem!)

I wouldn’t think it’s a hard drive problem because you’re getting a message at POST time and I don’t think the hard drive has yet been called. But, you should run a CHKDSK c: /f or whatever drive it boots to, just to make sure.

Have you gone into and looked around in the BIOS? Can you tell us what the message actually says – maybe there’s a clue in that for someone here.

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One of our computers, a Dell Dimension 3000 desktop running WinXP-SP3 has begun displaying a black screen at start-up with the BIOS details then “Invalid Configuration please run Setup” – then a line saying it is resetting configuration and finally invites to press F1 to continue of F2 to enter Setup. Once I ptess F1 the computer starts normally and seems to run without any other problems. I updated the BIOS to the latest version (A03) and that appeared to fix the problem for a few days then it recurred.

I am beginning to suspect that the hard drive may be about to die – the computer is four years old, but only runs three or four days a week for say 6 – 8 hours each time. Is that likely to be the cause?

Any other suggestions would be most welcome.

Noel

In the past I have experienced a similar problem caused by a failing CMOS battery. I think most BIOSs still use these. Changing the battery solved my problem. At four years, perhaps this battery is due for replacement? Sadly they are sometimes soldered in, making replacement a challenge…

Chris

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Any other suggestions would be most welcome.

The suggestion by Chris seems the most likely thing to check, since it appears to keep the new settings for a little while but then gets memory loss and the CMOS is changed somewhat.

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I updated the BIOS to the latest version (A03) and that appeared to fix the problem for a few days then it recurred.

…the computer is four years old, but only runs three or four days a week for say 6 – 8 hours each time. ……

Any other suggestions would be most welcome.

Noel

These symptoms scream CMOS battery.

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These symptoms scream CMOS battery.

Thank you all – must say I suspect that the comment that the CMOS battery is the problem sounds right to me – now that I think about it!

In the meantime – the messages on start up are –

Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A03
Copyright 1985 – 1988 Phoenix Technologies Ltd
Copyright 1990 – 2004 Dell Computer Corporation
All Rights Reserved
Dell System Dimension 3000 Series
BIOS version A03
Invalid Configuration please run setup

Then without my doing anything the messages continue –
Performing automatic IDE Configuration
Primary Master: Disk Drive
Secndary Master: CD-ROM Device
Time-of-day not set – please run SETUP program
Strike F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility.

When I press F2 sure enough the time is not set but the date is correct.

I did run CHLDSK c: /f – but got called away before it finished. When I returned Windows was showing the log in screen – do I guess all is well there.

I will try to replace the CMOS battery – will let you know how I get on.

Thank you again for your help

Noel

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Well, Problem Solved!

I replaced the CMOS battery and all now works as it should.

The voltage on the old battery was 0.25 volt – so no wonder it would not work!

Thank you very much for the good advice.

NoelM

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Glad you got it sorted out.

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