Episode 114 — CMOS Battery and Lockup Events — Diagnosing Time and Power Problems

Certified - CompTIA Server+ Audio Course

This episode covers how a failing CMOS battery can cause time drift, loss of BIOS settings, and boot failures. We explain the function of the CMOS battery in maintaining system configuration when power is removed, and how to identify symptoms of failure. Lockup events related to power issues are also discussed, including those caused by unstable power supplies or voltage fluctuations.

We then present real-world and exam scenarios, such as a server repeatedly losing boot device settings after power-offs or experiencing intermittent hangs due to PSU faults. Troubleshooting includes replacing CMOS batteries, updating BIOS settings, and verifying power supply health. Mastery of these concepts ensures candidates can quickly restore stability when low-level hardware power issues occur. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber prepcasts, books, and information to strengthen your certification path.