Method for restoring CMOS in a jumperless system
US6647512B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F11/20
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for easily restoring CMOS parameters in a computer having a multi-function power button is provided. In one embodiment, the method for restoring CMOS parameter values in a computer includes (a) pressing the power button for a predetermined time delay while the computer is performing a power-on self test (“POST”), thereby placing the computer in an OFF state; and (b) momentarily pressing the power button to turn on the computer. Pressing the power button for four seconds preferably invokes a power button override function. The power button override function unconditionally forces the computer to a “soft-off” state. The BIOS is preferably configured to determine if the power-override function was invoked during the POST in the previous boot-up, and if so, to replace the CMOS parameter values with backup parameter values before proceeding with the current boot-up. The CMOS parameter values are preferably backed up only if they have changed and the BIOS has successfully completed the POST procedure with the changed values. This ensures that the backup values will allow the computer to boot when CMOS parameter restoration is needed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.