Rebooting Problems

[Sy S]

Sy S Dell PC with Windows 11

Rebooting Computer Problems

Having a hard time rebooting my computer. First I have to turn off the computer (but AC power is still on), other times turned off AC Power. Both times my computer goes into DOS Mode. Sometimes I am able to reboot other times almost impossible. Sometimes clicking on F1, F3 or F5 (or Control Alt Delete which closes the window) it reboots. Other times not so. The keyboard does not work sometimes to scroll to the appropriate on screen suggestions. Have gone to F2 set up Utility and reentered date and time and also for the Recovery Memory Device to first go to USB port.

Further, the Recovery Memory Device does not work (installed in the USB port). I have gone to F5 Diagnostic, no problems detected… then clicked on YES reboot… and it works. So now I leave my computer on all the time…. To use it.. and do not turn it off. Have had this problem for two weeks.

Any suggestions… also should I try and use my Weekly Back Up of my system and install the back up for three weeks ago? What should I click on when a date with folder opens and what area to click on?
Also, should I go to System Utility (from Control Panel) and change parameters to click on?

Any help will be most appreciated.

Sy S.

 

[Xploit Machine]

"Have gone to F2 set up Utility and reentered date and time and also for the Recovery Memory Device to first go to USB port}"

CMOS battery issue?

 

[Sy S]

"Have gone to F2 set up Utility and reentered date and time and also for the Recovery Memory Device to first go to USB port}"

CMOS battery issue?

Thanks Xploit for your reply... it was helpful!
It does appear that the issue is based on the CMOS Battery... like the screen says go to Setup Utility and reset the date and time etc. which I have done. And also my recovery memory device is plugged into my USB port, for the computer to go to this first. I might go into my Dell Computer (mother board) and see the exact battery to get (Googling it might be 3V Lithium Battery CR2032).

Further, I tried many ways to get back into my computer windows screen. And finally discovered that I first have to completely switch off the AC electrical power for my computer and AC power for the two separate external hard drives. Then switching on the AC Power which my computer is connected to, it automatically starts the computer(? need to look into this)... and I do not turn the AC power on my two hard drives. Next screen is Automatic IDE Configuration... and then click on F1 which says continue and it successfully opens the Windows Screen. So at least I can use my computer and internet.

Thanks again for your post and reply!!!

Sy S

 

[The Shadow 2023]

Sounds like you need a good Computer Tech.

 

[Sy S]

Sounds like you need a good Computer Tech.

For my Dell Desktop Optiplex 980 (Googling) I need the 3V Lithium Battery CR2032. Target had a 4/6 pack for about $12. And Best Buy had a 2 pack for $7.61 which I purchased. I will be going to YouTube (and Googling) to learn how to best get to the mother board and the battery in my computer. Also, not to use a metal screwdriver (or other metal object) to remove the old battery. If anyone has advice in advance of my taking care of this task, please reply. I hope to do this in the next week or so.

Further, in the past I have had to take my Dell computer to a local retail computer establishment, when I had a problem. They in turn upgraded my CPU with a faster one and also the latest Windows software. So far, I have been lucky not to buy a new or refurbished computer. Aside, I have had this hand-me-down used computer for about 7 or so years… and needed to go to the computer store 3 or so times.

Sy S.

 

[Sy S]

For my Dell Desktop Optiplex 980 (Googling) I need the 3V Lithium Battery CR2032. Target had a 4/6 pack for about $12. And Best Buy had a 2 pack for $7.61 which I purchased. I will be going to YouTube (and Googling) to learn how to best get to the mother board and the battery in my computer. Also, not to use a metal screwdriver (or other metal object) to remove the old battery. If anyone has advice in advance of my taking care of this task, please reply. I hope to do this in the next week or so.

Further, in the past I have had to take my Dell computer to a local retail computer establishment, when I had a problem. They in turn upgraded my CPU with a faster one and also the latest Windows software. So far, I have been lucky not to buy a new or refurbished computer. Aside, I have had this hand-me-down used computer for about 7 or so years… and needed to go to the computer store 3 or so times.

Sy S.

March 26, 2025 Afternoon

For my Dell Desktop Optiplex 980 (Googling) I need the 3V Lithium Battery CR2032. Target had a 4/6 pack for about $12. And Best Buy had a 2 pack for $7.61 which I purchased. I will be going to YouTube (and Googling) to learn how to best get to the mother board and the battery in my computer. Also, not to use a metal screwdriver (or other metal object) to remove the old battery. If anyone has advice in advance of my taking care of this task, please reply. I hope to do this in the next week or so.

Further, in the past I have had to take my Dell computer to a local retail computer establishment, when I had a problem. They in turn upgraded my CPU with a faster one and also the latest Windows software. So far, I have been lucky not to buy a new or refurbished computer. Aside, I have had this hand-me-down used computer for about 7 or so years… and needed to go to the computer store 3 or so times.

Sy S.

March 26, 2025 Afternoon EST

Problem Resolved. I installed the CR2032 battery in my computer. I had to physically unplug the AC power supply cord from my computer and also from my monitor. And also my two external hard drives needed to be turned off prior to starting my computer. I waited about 3 minutes and then reconnected the power cords to my computer and monitor. This time the computer did not automatically turn on.... I had to press the computer start button. And the Windows Logo appeared and then my desktop was visible. Finally I turned on the power switch on my two external hard drives.

In the future I have to see about the "Recovery Memory Stick" working, which is connected to my computers USB Port (the computer needs to go to the USB port first).

Thank You very much to everyone who posted...

Sy S.

 

[RasulGreen]

You're on the right track — the main issue is likely a dead CMOS battery.
I suggest replacing it (usually a CR2032 battery), then resetting your BIOS date, time, and boot settings.

After replacing the battery:

• Reboot with only essential devices (keyboard, mouse, monitor).
• Your recovery USB should work more reliably once the BIOS can save settings properly.
• Hold off on restoring your backup until the system is stable.

If problems continue even after replacing the battery, run full Dell diagnostics to check for deeper hardware issues.