Method and apparatus for restoring a computer to a clear CMOS configuration
US6253319A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 22, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F11/142
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer system is provided with a multifunction power switch. In addition to the normal function of turning the computer on and off, the power switch has the additional function of clearing CMOS memory. In one embodiment, pressing the power switch while the computer is connected to a power source turns the computer on and off, and when the computer is disconnected from the power source, the CMOS memory may be cleared by pressing and holding the power switch for a predetermined time delay, e.g. 10 seconds. As a precaution against malicious clearing of CMOS memory, activation of this feature may be disabled as long as the computer cover is closed. In this case, the computer cover would have to be at least partially removed before the power button is pressed and held to clear CMOS. An LED may be provided which illuminates to indicate the success of the CMOS clearing operation. Adding this functionality to the power button advantageously simplifies an otherwise difficult process for restoring a computer with corrupted CMOS to a bootable configuration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.