Clearing CMOS - Re-setting BIOS

Question

Hi,
Would one of you moderator chaps please consider posting a sticky containing all the steps required to successfully re-set the BIOS. It would certainly save a lot of typing on this forum. Thanks.  )
I was also thinking that forum members should be encouraged to state their general location. It would seem to me that if any "Batch" problems exist on MSI products then we could narrow it down to areas of distribution across the globe. Many times on this forum I've seen exactly the same hardware used with completely different results - with exactly the same settings! Problems are usually down to user error, I know, but there's that odd occasion when we're all at a loss.
Mind you, I can already see the error in my reasoning. Todays computer building is by no means an exact science - there are just too many variables. I think I just shot myself in the foot  - well................. it was just a thought!  :D          
Axel  :D

Answer 1

I don't wish to add any stickies ATM but I have posted comprehensive details several times. You could always search by clicking on my name, and search for posts by GlennVidia there is a Magnifying glass icon that will show all my posts consecutively. The last one was about a month or so ago, copy and save it to a notepad and save it in My Documents if you want... I will get around to something later..but it might take a while.
Quote
Many times on this forum I've seen exactly the same hardware used with completely different results - with exactly the same settings!
That is a fine example of a condition known as parametric differences, Bonz and I have explained this manufacturing limitation several times in this forum.
I manufacture circuit boards for a living so I see parametric differences on a larger scale. Many board designs have controlled impedence traces where a specified copper thickness, width, length are desired to stay within a tolerance dictated by the application of the circuit. The tolerance is specified by the engineer and there is a very small allowance for fluctuation within that tolerance spec.
It then becomes the PCB vendors challenge to make adjustments to allow for manufacturing processes, such as starting with a specified copper whieght and plating up to the desired thickness or starting with the actual desired copper thickness. Acid etching is how circuits are formed on conventional PCB's.
While the width of a trace can be maintained to within 20% or much better of it's original thickness from the original artwork, there will be an undercut of sorts.
When the board goes in the tank to be etched, it was previously coated by a etch resistant film that was exposed by UV light and a negative or positive image of the copper features such as traces, pads for SMD's (Surface Mount Devices).
The area under the resist film is protected from the acid. The other areas that are to be removed, simply rinse away. While the resist sits on top of a copper feature, the edges are unprotected, hence the term undercut. We could be at the low end or high end of the specified tolerance.
While we are still within tolerance it can have an effect when the board is assembled with other components that are manufactured with even tighter restrictions but again a given tolerance. Take a look inside your PC and you see the grand scale it becomes. We can build two or more PC's side by side and eachone witll behave differently, while unnoticable most times, voltage, leakage, response differences will often be negligable, it can often be bang up in your face odd behavior.
Then comes the game called swaporama when you can't quickly identify the peripheral or component causing the problem. That's what causes novice builders the most headaches because they do not have the overhead of additional parts to swap in and out.
Now we are very close to the pinnacle in design, manufacturing and performance and pushing new limits quarterly, things are much more sensitive to parametric differences than they ever where.