Diagnosis

• One common motherboard issue is the display of the "BIOS" screen during the startup sequence for your computer. If the clock within your computer has changed to a different time, this could possibly indicate a dead internal battery on your motherboard. After disconnecting your computer from a power source, open your computer and examine the motherboard. If you notice any scorched areas, circuitry on your motherboard has shorted out. If the motherboard is hot after using your computer, your processor could have been damaged by excessive temperatures and inadequate cooling.
  
  

Repair

• If your computer displayed the BIOS screen during the boot sequence, disconnect your computer from any electrical sources and unplug all cable connections inside your computer. Plug all of the connections back in and restart your computer. Resetting connections in this manner may repair your problem. If capacitors or other small electrical components of the motherboard have short circuited, they will need to be replaced with identical parts. These will typically need to be soldered into place. Documentation provided with your computer or replacement part will provide further information on this process. Insertable cards such as RAM may short out and cause your entire motherboard to stop functioning. These can easily be removed by gently pulling them out their slot. New RAM cards can be inserted directly into the slot.
  
  

Considerations

• If you are unfamiliar with electronic equipment repair, websites such as Overclockers host technical forums that contain tips and advice on computer repair. Seek the help of a professional before attempting to fix problems of which you are not fully informed. It is very easy to further damage your equipment while attempting a repair.