Utility to backup/restore CMOS to a floppy 1

[Bocaire]

I wasn't too successful in spotting anything on a Google search. But I know such a free utility must be around.

I want a utility that I can use to backup my CMOS settings to a floppy disk, and then be able restore them, after changing the 2032 battery, in the off chance that a failure of the internal battery should occur.

Thanks for any leads.

Bocaire

 

[edfair]

Forget it. Before you can use a floppy you need an operating system. Before you can load an operating system you need the CMOS settings entered correctly.
Document the important stuff on a piece of paper and stick it to the side of the computer.
You probably only need 4 or 5 items, the rest will load with the default settings choice.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[Bocaire]

It would then seem that the simplest way to record anything here, would be to use a digital camera, and shoot each screen that is wanted. Then print out the images to get a hard copy record, and store it where you can find it if it's ever needed..

Bocaire

 

[Glenn9999]

I've seen DOS utilities that will copy the Flash ROM off of a computer onto a drive, as well as the CMOS. The main question is whether you would want to risk trying them or not (i.e. how standard is the CMOS from system to system).

As far as their existence goes, I see several on my DOS CD, though I'm not sure where the download locations are...

Here's a start:
DiskMan4 - all in one tool for cmos, bios, bootrecord and more

http://www.diskman.co.uk/

Hopefully it will work for you.

 

[Glenn9999]

More help with diskman - the relevant part of it for the sake of what's going on here:

CMOS Memory access commands (Real-Mode DOS + Win9x DOS box only
-----------------------------------------
CMOS LOAD filename - Load CMOS. Masks clock bytes
CMOS SAVE filename - Save CMOS. Masks clock bytes
CMOS WIPE - Wipe CMOS memory (including clock)
CMOS VIEW - View CMOS memory (for debugging)
CMOS SIZE - Returns size of CMOS RAM in bytes
CMOS GET offset - Returns CMOS byte from address
CMOS SET offset value - Set specified CMOS byte to value

 

[Bocaire]

The machine in question ia a very high end unit, built by me earlier this year. The ASUS mobo seems to offer a utility to save and restore the BIOS settings, but it was a very confused set of instructions, and I didn't want to risk "playing" with it.

Mess up the BIOS, and one can have real trouble.

So I think for now that I'll just shoot all the screens digitally, print them out, and keep them on file.

It's probable that the 2032 lithium cell will outlive the machine anyway. <G>

Bocaire

 

[gbaughma]

I *think* you can hit print screen while the BIOS settings are up there, assuming that you have a standard parallel printer attached.

I may be wrong... but I seem to remember having done that before.



Just my 2¢

"In order to start solving a problem, one must first identify its owner." --Me
--Greg

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