Pheonix 80286 Rom Bios 3.07
Copyright...blah
All rights..blah

(dos?)

AT Multiluser system

Invalid Configuration Infomation- Please Run SETUP program
(I DONT HAVE THE DISK FOR THAT!)
Strike f1 to continue
(when I strike IT SAYS!)
Boot Device Not Loaded

Thats what the screen says when I boot up. The hard drive light lights up.
I did put a disk in and it did not do crap at startup

THERE!

"Invalid Configuration Infomation- Please Run SETUP program"

This is not a program on a disk. This is the "BIOS" setup. You should be able to access the BIOS setup by hitting the DEL key when the PC is in it "POST" operation.

"1 BIOS = Basic input/output system... Stored in "firmware"

"2 POST = Power on self test. This is where your system test RAM, looks for your keyboard and devices.

"3 firmware = A combination of hardware/software. Ussually consist of programable ROM chips.

If you cant enter it using the DEL key try F2, F1, F10.

Sounds like the CMOS battery had dropped below 3 volts. You may need to replace it. You need to confige your hard drive and boot order in the BIOS.

Just went back and did a read on the old post.

You asked why there are 2 AA duracell batteries in the case.

If I am correct they should be in a little case wired together and connected to the motherboard by 2 wires.

Some where near there should be the original spot for the CMOS battery.

That is one of the methodes people would use when the old Dallas batteryies would no longer work. Those batteryies are Prob dead which is why you get the error.

Considering the age of the machine... yeah the batteries could be dead.

"dos?" um, "no" - it's the BIOS (Phoenix )

Look, if you find it such an ordeal to compose your thoughts into a clear post, why do you bother?

You are the one asking for assistance - which the volunteers here are (usually) happy to try and provide.

The process goes a lot more smoothly without the attitude.

oh No j- its not an atitdude. Im just busy on other boards and things. youve helped me - (that why i BOTHER. haha)

Those batteries are out and the machine still runs.

"post op" begins when???

Im only a windows/dos guy or dude you can say.

Awright, perhaps you just have a frivolous nature.

Sure, the batteries are the same or similar to the CMOS battery - the setup may be triggered if it senses that the batteries are flat. As I'd mentioned previously, there was no real standard for these batteries back then - I've seen proprietary RTC (Real Time Clock) batteries in certain XT clones even.

Replacing the batteries may allow the system to be configured properly - hard to say, but it's the first thing to try since you don't seem to be able to boot - have you tried a 5¼" boot disk?

Some Phoenix BIOS were accessed by CTRL-ALT-S

My old Phoenix pc will not let me in the bios by striking combination keys. You have to have a setup disk to configure the pc like the old compaqs did. If you want me to look for it let me know.

It really scares me.... To think that you are working on other PC's and dont know what the BIOS is.

How do you set up a PC when you build it?

Poke and hope?

MM- yeah I might need it!

john was that to me? I know what a frickin bios is....or rather what it DOES.

I strike the DEL key and it says Keyboard strike error! what the!

Where is the POST OPERATION then? when it says to hit F1?

jon3.1,

I've read both posts and can offer a very simple piece of advice. See the power button? Push it, make sure the pc is off, and never touch it again. Voila! Problem solved!

:-)

No- Would you not help a homeless man? or someone handicapped?

Why make fun of me and how I frickin type?

KEYBOARD strike error