Gateway NV44

[videogame57]

Could you post pictures of the existing BIOS menus please? This will give me a better perspective.

I actually don't think I can get into the BIOS menus, the POST screen flashes by so fast (~0.2s) that even if I rapidly press F2 as I press the power button, Windows starts booting first. Sometimes I can see it say "Preparing to enter setup", but then Windows boots anyway.

[Sml6397]

Hello videogame57,

Try entering the BIOS menus with the 'F10' 'Del' 'Esc' and 'F12' keys.


"Could you post pictures of the existing BIOS menus please? This will give me a better perspective." (Steven) | "I'll take a picture next time I reboot my laptop, which may not be for a little while." (videogame57)

^ ...

[videogame57]

Hello videogame57,

Try entering the BIOS menus with the 'F10' 'Del' 'Esc' and 'F12' keys.

The key is F2, I got into the modded BIOS once, and I've owned this laptop for over 5 years, I'm certain of the correct key.
It just decided to POST faster, which is good, and bad, I don't know what governs the POST speed but it seems to be out of my control.

[videogame57]

Got in and took a bunch of pictures, but then I changed some settings I probably should not have changed.
When I start it I get HDD light for a second and then nothing, no display on the internal display or external.

The touch buttons still react to input (ie WiFi light glows and can be toggled), so it seems to BIOS is not damaged, but I may be wrong.

I'm going to disassemble it and remove/reseat the CMOS battery, do you think this will fix it or is my laptop screwed?
I am fully confident with taking the laptop apart as I have done it before to upgrade the CPU (and it needs some dusting anyway).

[Sml6397]

Hello videogame57,

Pulling the CMOS battery for a few minutes will probably fix whatever the problem is. Be sure to remove the power adapter, notebook battery, and CMOS battery for at least 5-10 minutes. Some time during this period, hold the power button for at least 10 seconds to help dissipate any remaining power.

I have also upgraded my notebook's CPU!

[videogame57]

Hello videogame57,

Pulling the CMOS battery for a few minutes will probably fix whatever the problem is. Be sure to remove the power adapter, notebook battery, and CMOS battery for at least 5-10 minutes. Some time during this period, hold the power button for at least 10 seconds to help dissipate any remaining power.

I have also upgraded my notebook's CPU!

Darn it I just put it back together, I guess I didn't pull the battery long enough.
Impossible to take the laptop apart with power connected, also impossible to hold the power button because it's attached to the top panel which must be removed to access the CMOS battery. Maybe I can make the cable reach or put it back on with the battery removed.

I also fixed the hinge again while I was in there, but now I can't get rid of the reflex where I press the left hinge back into position after closing it.

[videogame57]

Laptop is now sitting in my room with no CMOS battery, I opened it just enough to remove the battery and then held the power button for 10 seconds.

I really hope I can get this working, it holds sentimental value as my first and only laptop for the past ~5.5 years, and I need it for school.

[Sml6397]

Hello videogame57,

I am in the same situation in regards to the sentimentality and importance of my laptop to me! I have had it for 6 years and got it from my older brother.


"Impossible to take the laptop apart with power connected."

^There needs to be absolutely no power source connected to the notebook, or else the process will most likely not work.

[videogame57]

Hello videogame57,

I am in the same situation in regards to the sentimentality and importance of my laptop to me! I have had it for 6 years and got it from my older brother.


"Impossible to take the laptop apart with power connected."

^There needs to be absolutely no power source connected to the notebook, or else the process will most likely not work.

The fact that it won't work with power connected is obvious, but I mean there are screws beneath the battery anyway.

[videogame57]

Hello videogame57,

Pulling the CMOS battery for a few minutes will probably fix whatever the problem is. Be sure to remove the power adapter, notebook battery, and CMOS battery for at least 5-10 minutes. Some time during this period, hold the power button for at least 10 seconds to help dissipate any remaining power.

I have also upgraded my notebook's CPU!

Left the laptop for an hour with no CMOS battery, still will not boot properly.
I'm sorry man I'm not donating any money to you, if anything you should be donating C$150 to me so I can replace the motherboard.