Need help with computer problem.

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**Waaagh_Gonads**

It should be nothed that due to an unreasonable fear of fire I unplug my computer from the wall when it is not in use.

My computer has had this problem the last 3 months.

I turn it on and it wants to run through set up and askes me to load a boot disk.
If I press delete hurriedly after turning the computer on I can then press F2 and get into BIOS where I find
1: My clock has reset to 01/01/2002, 00.00.00
2: My hard drive (for boot) has reset to my old drive which is still in the computer but is now a secondary drive with the newer primary drive having windows and all the boot gear on it.
3: I am able to reset all of the above and the computer works fine until I unplug it again. If I leave it switched on at the wall and turn it on again there is no problem next time I turn it on.

Is the likely problem the motherboard battery?
Is it likely to be something worse.

The computer is 4 years old (with a decent upgrade a year and a half ago) and otherwise I'm happy with it and would like it to run until mid to late next year....

**lord_sutekh**

Sounds like yes, the battery on the board is out. Try replacing that, and see what happens. If that doesn't work... well, hope you've got some spare cash.

**warpcrafter**

Get a really good surge protector, they you can leave it on and save yourself a lot of worry and trouble.

**Arctik_Firangi**

Motherboards aren't too expensive. It's unlikely to be a hdd issue. Not a Pentium 4 is it? I hate those things...

**Kilkrazy**

I vote for the battery.

**Tacobake**

I think you should toss it into the ocean and buy a new one.

**Fallen668**

Third vote on the battery, and get a surge protecter.

**Waaagh_Gonads**

Got a surge protector. Its an unreasonable fear of fire...

It is a pentium 4.
Will take it to the computer store the next few days as they are usually pretty slow, and I'm off traveling next week so I could get it fixed whilst not using it.

**Waaagh_Gonads**

Which leads me to my next question... Who just leaves their computer on all the time (either at the wall or the whole computer running)?.

**Tacobake**

I like the hum. It is like my night light.

**Frazzled**

We do at work.
My wife does at the house. Drives me nuts, which is probably why she does it

**Kilkrazy**

I leave my desktop iMac plugged in and switched on all the time. When not being used it goes into Sleep mode. I only plug my MacBook in when I want to use it.

**lord_sutekh**

I leave mine on all the time, and have for as long as I can remember; never a problem, as long as you have it properly ventilated.

**warpcrafter**

I'm using MagicJack VOIP phone service, I have to have my computer on all the time or I can't get incoming calls.

**MagickalMemories**

You could also run your problems by the guys at MajorGeeks.com.
WONDERFUL (free) site, there!

Everyone there (in charge) is an EXPERT at whatever his area is.

Did I mention it's FREE?

Eric