How to reset BIOS settings to default. Restoring BIOS to Factory Settings
Sometimes you need to do reset bios(BIOS) to factory settings. This can help if you suddenly unsuccessfully tried to “overclock” the processor, or set a password that was forgotten. In general, no matter for what reason you need to reset the BIOS settings, from this article you will learn how to do it.
We take out the battery on the motherboard
This method always helps. CR2032 battery, similar to a small iron tablet. You need a small flathead screwdriver that can be used to pry the battery latch open. In the picture it is shown on the left. Remove the battery from its place, wait a few minutes.
Bios battery socket
To be sure, I usually close the positive and negative contacts with a screwdriver. (they are circled in red in the figure). After this procedure, you can turn on the computer. The message will appear on the screen CMOS CHECKSUM ERROR. This means that the BIOS reset procedure was successful, the settings were reset to factory settings.
Attention! The appearance of the message cmos checksum error every time you turn on the computer most often indicates that the battery is dead. You can buy it at any store and replace it yourself. The procedure itself takes no more than 3 minutes, including the process of removing the side cover of the system unit.
Perform a reset in the BIOS settings
The first method I described is more radical. You can go the other way and reset the settings to default using the BIOS itself.
First you need to go into it (bios). I described ways to enter the BIOS
Open the very last item, where the Windows words Save, Exit and the like are. We look for the Load Defaults line there, place the cursor on it and press Enter. Next, select Save or press F10 and confirm with the Enter key. After rebooting, the BIOS settings will be reset to factory settings.
We close the jumper on the motherboard
The last method is not always applicable, but only when the motherboard manufacturer allows it. Next to the battery we are looking for a jumper with a plastic jumper. Removing the jumper resets the BIOS value to factory settings. The jumper looks like this:
Focus on the inscription CLR_CMOS or CCMOS, in general, focus on the word CMOS. By removing the jumper and closing the jumpers, you will reset the BIOS value on your computer.
In some cases, the manufacturer makes a special button on the motherboard that resets the BIOS. It might look like this:
Now you know 3 ways to reset BIOS settings to standard. I hope this material was useful to you. If so, please share it on social networks. Thank you
BIOS is the most important component of a computer, which takes on many important tasks: it is responsible for checking computer devices, determining basic settings, preparing and launching the operating system. If problems arise with the BIOS, the most rational way to fix them is to perform a full reset.
The user may need to reset the BIOS for various reasons. For example, you visited the BIOS settings and made many changes that did not have a positive effect on the performance of the computer. In addition, there are times when the BIOS refuses to start, so the first thing you need to do is follow the procedure discussed below.
We reset the BIOS settings
Resetting the BIOS will return it to its factory state, removing all user and other settings. Often, this step allows you to solve many computer problems.
There are three ways to reset to factory settings: through the BIOS menu, through the computer's motherboard, and using the motherboard's battery. Each method will lead to the same result, but their implementation is fundamentally different.
Resetting BIOS through its menu
Resetting BIOS via motherboard
This method is suitable if in your case the BIOS does not start. It is not particularly complicated, however, here we will need to look under the body of the system unit.
Resetting the BIOS via the battery on the motherboard
The third method is to return the BIOS to factory settings, which will also require “implementation” under the system unit case.
Each of the presented methods is guaranteed to cope with the task. Which method to use is up to you to decide, based on the type of problem, your skills and preferences.
If your computer is unstable, a few tips on how to reset the BIOS may help. Problems arise as a result of incorrect BIOS settings or software failures. Let’s conditionally divide the zeroing procedure into two approaches depending on the problem: software and manual.
In the CMOS settings, find the item responsible for resetting the settings to default. It's called Load defaults BIOS, Load fail-safe defaults or something similar. It is located in a separate menu item or is always displayed in the right, lower part of the help window. It all depends on whether it is AMI or AWARD, which differ in appearance, name and location of menu items.
Once you have found this option, press the enter function key or F5, F6, F9, F11, F12. Next you will be asked to confirm the changes, enter the Y key or select OK and press ENTER.
When you have completed all the steps, be sure to save the changes. The save and exit item and the F10 key are responsible for this. The computer will restart and the settings will take effect.
There are situations when crashes occur immediately after turning on the computer. Therefore there is no possibility reset BIOS settings. There are a number of alternative actions that are considered manual.
The recommendations described below are universal. Suitable for motherboards such as asus, asrock, gigabyte. They are similar in architecture, but differ in the arrangement of elements. Next, let's look at what elements we need.
We kindly request that before performing the steps described below, it is recommended to study the documentation of the motherboard. This will protect you from unwanted consequences. You will be better oriented in your actions.
1 way. Be sure to unplug the computer from the outlet. When the PC is connected to the network, a small recharge of energy also occurs, which will prevent you from resetting the BIOS.
Remove the side cover. Carefully inspect the motherboard. Here you will need to find contacts closed by a jumper (jumper). Next to which it says Clear_CMOS, CLR_CMOS, CCMOS or in another way, more details in the description of your board.
There are 3 contacts, the first two of which are closed by a jumper. Place the jumper on pins 2-3 for 15 seconds, then switch the jumper back.
If there are only two contacts and they do not have a jumper, short them with a metal object, such as a screwdriver.
Method 2. If you have a modern motherboard, it may be equipped with a special button for reset BIOS, which is signed as CLR CMOS. Find and hold it for a few seconds to reset the settings to factory settings.
3 way. Not a very reliable method. It is necessary to remove the CMOS battery for at least 10 minutes, or even more. That is why this method may not bring the desired result. Who wants to wait several hours? Sometimes it takes so long to reset the parameters.
After waiting, you need to insert the battery back and start the computer.
It also happens that owners are ready to throw away their components. I want to warn you against hasty conclusions. First, conduct a thorough diagnosis of your hardware. Often problems lie not in the breakdown of individual parts, but in software failures.
In practice, it happened that the computer started, but there was nothing except a black screen. The gradual replacement of components was not successful. The last thing that came to mind try resetting the BIOS. It really helped.
It is no secret that in some cases, to restore the functionality of a computer system, you may need to reset the BIOS. This technique allows you to eliminate many problems with hardware that cannot be solved with Windows tools. Below are some basic ways to do this without any problems. Let's consider both software and physical methods for resetting the parameters of the primary system.
Why might you need to reset the BIOS?
Quite often you can encounter situations where those who like to delve into the system settings set such parameters that then not only does the installed equipment not work or does not work correctly, but the operating system does not boot.
You can often encounter situations where a login password is set through the primary system, which has nothing to do with the operating system settings at all. Sometimes it is necessary to reset the settings to factory settings even if the user notices that the entire computer system is extremely unstable (it constantly crashes, reboots spontaneously, etc.). In some cases, this approach even allows you to restore the OS boot if problems at startup were observed due to the fault of the hardware.
How to reset BIOS: standard method
By and large, there is nothing particularly difficult about resetting parameters to factory settings. How to reset BIOS settings? Nothing could be simpler.
When you turn on the computer device, you must enter the primary system itself, using the keys that will be indicated on the start screen, and then go to the reset item on the start page. It can be called differently, but most often it is the Load Setup Defaults parameter or something like that. After activating it, the system will issue a warning to confirm the reset, which you must agree to by pressing the “Y” (Yes) key.
In some versions of the primary system, such an item may be present in the Exit menu.
Using a jumper on the motherboard
The question of how to reset the BIOS can also be resolved by physically interfering with the hardware of a desktop computer (the proposed actions are usually not used on laptops).
Here, near the battery, you can find a special jumper or so-called jumper, which is usually labeled CLRTC, Clear CMOS, or a similar name. The position in which it is installed is responsible for changing the operating modes of the motherboard and resetting the settings of the primary input/output system itself. How to reset BIOS settings to standard? If there are three contacts on the board, you need to set the jumper to the second position, if there are only two, use an additional jumper from another place on the motherboard to close them. Naturally, all actions must be performed with the computer terminal turned off. After this, the question of how to reset the BIOS involves long pressing the power button (about ten seconds). The computer, of course, will not turn on, but you are guaranteed to reset the settings of the primary system. Then you should set the jumper to its original position (and also remove the additional jumper, if it was installed) and turn on the terminal.
Reset by removing the CMOS battery
Another technique that allows you to quite easily solve the problem of how to reset the BIOS is to temporarily remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard socket.
The pause between its removal and reinsertion is about ten to fifteen minutes. But here you need to be very careful, since on some motherboard models the battery is non-removable.
Using the Debug Utility
Finally, the problem of how to reset the BIOS on a computer with Windows on board can be solved by using a small utility called Debug, which is a built-in tool of the operating system itself.
To launch it, you need to call the “Run” menu, where you enter the command of the same name as the tool. After the start, a black window will appear, no different in appearance from the command console. Here the parameters entered will depend solely on which version and which manufacturer is installed on the computer system.
For example, for primary Phoenix systems the values O 70 FF, O 71 FF and Q are entered sequentially, for AMI or Award systems the parameters O 70 17, O 73 17 and Q are entered. But for the correctness of the entered reset commands, you must first read the BIOS technical documentation, using for this purpose, for example, the Internet resource of the developer (manufacturer). If you enter incorrect values, it may either have no effect at all, or lead the entire system to a completely inoperable state.
Additional measures
In some cases, when it is only absolutely necessary, a reset can be performed by installing updated firmware, which does not inherit the settings of the previous version.
True, it is categorically not recommended for ordinary users to do such things without knowing the intricacies of flashing, otherwise they will then have to change even the chip itself with the primary system, and maybe even the entire motherboard. So be careful.
Results
If we draw some conclusions from all that has been said, it is recommended to reset BIOS settings and parameters through the options of the primary system itself. For fixed terminals, zeroing can be used by temporarily removing the battery. You should also be careful with jumpers without knowing the essence of the issue, otherwise you will close the wrong contacts, and the motherboard, as they say, will “fly”.
On a laptop can sometimes serve as a radical method against problems on a laptop computer.
Sometimes in case of system failures, only completely resetting the settings helps; the user should know the main nuances of these techniques.
In most cases, if the problem is not a hardware issue, this will help get the device back into working order.
Reset Features
At first glance, resetting BIOS settings to factory settings is not difficult.
However, for a user conducting it for the first time (and most laptop owners may never encounter such a need), some questions arise during the process.
Especially if software methods did not help, and you have to disassemble the laptop to reset.
There may be several reasons for using one of the BIOS reset methods:
- resetting a forgotten, unknown (set by another user) or lost BIOS password. Although, if the user is not going to change anything in the settings, he may not need such a reset;
- Incorrectly performed processor overclocking, in which critical values of memory timings or bus frequencies were set. However, it is usually not recommended to overclock the chipset on laptops - not only because of problems, but also because of cooling problems;
- the system does not boot for an unknown reason, although you can still enter the BIOS;
- The BIOS has been modified by a non-technical person who does not remember which setting should be reset.
BIOS reset options
For a laptop computer, as well as for a stationary one, there are several options for solving the problem with the BIOS by resetting it to zero:
- reset the settings using the interface itself (a method suitable only if you managed to enter the BIOS);
- using a special utility (used for 32-bit operating systems);
- hardware (mechanical) method.
Additional reset methods can be found in your computer's documentation, if available.
Instructions for a specific device model will help you resolve the issue; most often they can be found on the Internet - on the manufacturer’s website or, as a last resort, on the forums of owners of similar models.
Reset via BIOS
To simplify the user's task, resetting settings to default values is possible using the utility built into the BIOS.
In order to use it, you should go to the interface by pressing a certain function key during loading.
Most often these are Del and F2, less often - Esc, F10 and F11.
You can determine more precisely which key is needed to enter the settings immediately when the system starts, when this information appears at the bottom of the screen.
Tip: For the UEFI interface, loading is too fast, and the flashing text is not easy to see. In this case, you can try to click on all the functional ones one by one or find the one you need on the Internet based on your laptop model.
After entering the BIOS menu, you should find the exit menu (Exit) and select the Load setup defaults item in it. By agreeing to reset the settings (selecting the Yes button), you will restore their factory values.
After pressing F10, the changes you have made will be saved.
Owners of some laptop models may see other inscriptions in the BIOS menu, except for Load setup defaults.
For example, a user of Sony equipment will find the inscription F3 Optimized Defaults here, indicating that after pressing this function key and saving the changes, a reset will also occur.
For modern models from Samsung, Toshiba and HP, there is an F9 Setup Defaults item in the settings, usually located at the bottom or right side of the screen.
This means that to reset you need to press F9 and save the changes.
For outdated hardware models whose BIOS differs from modern versions, you need to find the Use Default Settings or Set BIOS Default items in the settings.
When you select them, an inscription may appear on the screen suggesting either a reset to factory settings (Load Optimized Defaults), or a transition to settings optimized for protection against failures (Load Fail-Safe Defaults).
In most cases, resetting the settings will restore the computer to normal operation and boot.
However, if an error occurs during the reset process, for example, when selecting the media from which the system boots, the user will have to enter the BIOS settings again and make small changes:
- Open BIOS;
- Go to the Boot section;
- Select the Boot Mode tab and, if UEFI is written in this field, change it to Legacy;
- Save changes and reboot the system.
The software reset method may not work. For example, if there is a password on the BIOS. Or you can’t enter it for some other reason.
DEBUG utility
Changing interface settings is also possible using a special utility for Windows. It is built into 32-bit versions of the OS and requires running as an administrator to operate.
Resetting to zero using it is not difficult, although you must have administrator rights:
- Open the command execution menu (Win + R);
- Enter the command debug.exe;
- After the command line opens, enter from the keyboard in turn: “o702E”, “o71FF” and “q”;
- After entering each command, press the enter button.
After this, the BIOS settings are reset. And after rebooting the system, the user will see an error message and the need to check the settings.
The only drawback of the utility is its inability to work in 64-bit versions of Windows.
This means that it is not suitable for most modern operating systems that require the use of other techniques.
Hardware method
A hardware method of resetting the laptop BIOS settings is required in cases where the password is unknown, forgotten, or when the user did not install any protection, but the BIOS was still protected.
In this case, selecting a password and using special utilities on the boot disk do not help. The only way out is hardware reset.
Button to reset BIOS
Laptop models released over the past 2-3 years make it possible to do without disassembling the device. To reset the BIOS, just follow these steps:
- Turn off and turn the laptop upside down;
- Check the bottom part for the presence of the CMOS inscription on the case, near which there may be a special hole for resetting the BIOS;
- Insert a sharp object such as a paper clip or nail into the hole and hold it for half a minute;
- Turn on the laptop.
If no holes are found on the back of the laptop, it should be disassembled.
Attention! Further instructions are for advanced PC users only!
Please remember that removing the cover and disassembling the computer voids the warranty.
Before disassembling, be sure to remove peripheral devices (unplug the power cord if the computer is charging, remove flash drives and cables for connecting to other equipment) and the battery.
Disabling the battery
One of the simplest hardware reset methods is to turn off the autonomous power supply on the motherboard.
Most laptop models store BIOS settings and current time in memory, which is dependent on a small CR2032 battery.
By removing this battery, you can turn off the BIOS power and reset all settings, including the password. The board will have to be de-energized for a period of 5 to 40 minutes, depending on the model.
Sometimes the device may turn out to be non-volatile and the reset will not occur.
The battery is easy to reach - it is usually located close to one of the edges of the board and is not covered by other components.
The user will need:
- remove the cover;
- de-energize the device by removing the battery;
- find a miniature power source;
- lightly press the latch and remove the battery;
- wait a while (in order not to repeat the procedure, it is better to wait at least 40 minutes);
- install the battery back using the same light pressure;
- turn on the laptop;
- Configure the BIOS again, setting the clock, date and system boot order.
Some boards have a built-in non-removable battery. For them, removing the battery is impossible, so you should move on to the last method.
Switching the cleaning jumper
The jumper switching method is based on the presence of a special jumper in the laptop, which is responsible for resetting the BIOS.
To find it, you will need to remove the cover of your laptop to gain access to the board.
Most often, the switch is located near the battery, and the jumper is usually labeled with inscriptions such as CLRTC, CLR and CCMOS.
The jumper pad almost always consists of three contacts. To reset the BIOS, you need to move the jumper one step: from the first position to the second or from the second to the third.
While the jumper is in the switched position, you need to press the power button of the laptop and hold for at least 10 seconds.
Naturally, when the power is turned off, the laptop will not turn on, but the signal will be transmitted to the jumper.
After this, the jumper is returned to its original position, the computer is assembled, and the BIOS is reconfigured.
Advice: Instead of a jumper on the laptop jumper, there may be a special button, pressing which allows you to perform a similar action. You should press with a pencil or pen, waiting the same 10 seconds.
Using any hardware method, from removing the battery to switching the jumper, although it almost 100% guarantees a reset, can lead to the loss of the warranty of a new laptop, so you should use them only after the end of the warranty period.
Conclusions
Methods for resetting the BIOS make it possible to cope with the problem without turning to third-party specialists.
Most often, the issue is resolved within a few minutes, most of which will be spent disassembling and reassembling the laptop.
But, if none of the methods helped you reset your password, you will still have to contact the experts to restore the ability to change the settings yourself.
It is possible that in this case the device is protected using a separate non-volatile chip.