Most computer users dread the CMOS bad checksum error, which occasionally affects people’s computers. This error, which is a cause of worry to many users, occurs when the values belonging to CMOS are incorrect.
The CMOS memory has specific values in number form, which it uses to safeguard BIOS software. The value is usually checked against the value that is stored in the CMOS memory every time a user boots their computer. If there is a difference in the two values, an errors message comes up and if there is no difference, the computer continues with its normal operations.
Different computers have different reactions to the CMOS Checksum error. Some computers are known to warn end users then continue booting up using CMOS settings. Others on the other hand warn the end user then proceed to use BIOS’s default settings as if they were the correct settings and continue with rebooting or booting normally. Normally, the error message indicates the strategy that has been employed by the computer.
A CMOS Checksum bad error has three causes. Among the causes of the error is updated BIOS. The BIOS can be updated by either a virus or the user of the system. An update to a BIOS may cause the computer’s CMOS settings to be reset. If an updated BIOS is the cause of the errors, the user should ensure that values that are entered into the BIOS are the appropriate ones. Alternatively, the user can reset them to default settings.
If one believes that the update was done by a virus, they should run a virus scan in the system then make sure the settings of BIOS are returned to default.
A faulty CMOS battery can cause the error as well. The remedy for this would be to change the battery. However, before changing the battery it is advisable to reboot the computer first to ensure the error is still there. If the error is still there the user should go into their CMOS and get the settings if lost they should ask the manufacturer for them. The battery can now be removed; one’s tech support or computer manual can help them accomplish this. Shutting the computer down wrongly is another cause and it happens when a user shuts the computer without shutting the operating system properly. This corrupts settings of the CMOS and the error comes up and in such a case the user should shut the computer properly.