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How to Reset the Vault's CMOS/BIOS

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Created OnAugust 23, 2017
Last Updated OnOctober 30, 2024
bybrent

The Vault's CMOS is a small amount of battery backed memory that retains system information and settings that are used by the BIOS. The CMOS can occasionally get into a state where it needs to be reset in order to address odd behavior.  This can occur due to an improper shutdown or other reasons. Symptoms of odd behavior on the Vault include:

  • Video output that is black, despite power being applied to the unit
  • Odd Performance issues
  • BIOS lockouts (setting and forgetting the BIOS Administrator or User Password)
  • Boot directly to BIOS without the Vault being able to recognize any connected drives
  • Other odd behavior

Resetting the CMOS restores the BIOS to the default settings and can sometimes resolve these types of issues.

FW2B and FW4B

To reset the CMOS/BIOS on the FW2B or FW4B series:

  • Verify the Vault power supply is disconnected
  • Open the Vault cover
  • Using a screwdriver or other metal tool, short the two pins shown in the photo below for about 10 seconds.

vault reset cmos

FW2B, FW4B CMOS Reset Pins

FW2B/FW4B Video Guide:

FW4C

Although the FW4C has an identical chassis to the FW2B and FW4B, the CMOS reset pins are in a slightly different location due to a different motherboard layout.

To reset the CMOS/BIOS on the FW4C:

  • Verify the Vault power supply is disconnected
  • Open the Vault cover
  • Using a screwdriver or other metal tool, short the two pins shown in the photo below for about 10 seconds.

V Series (V12XX)

To reset the CMOS/BIOS on the V1XXX series:

  • Verify the Vault power supply is disconnected
  • Open the Vault cover
  • Using a screwdriver or other metal tool, short the two pins shown in the photo below for about 10 seconds.
  • Make sure to short the pins labeled "CMOS" and "GND" on the board

V Series (V14XX)

To reset the CMOS/BIOS on the V1XXX series:

  • Verify the Vault power supply is disconnected
  • Open the Vault cover
  • Using a screwdriver or other metal tool, short the two pins shown in the photo below for about 10 seconds.
  • Make sure to short the pins labeled "CMOS" and "GND" on the board

V Series (V16XX)

To reset the CMOS/BIOS on the V1XXX series:

  • Verify the Vault power supply is disconnected
  • Open the Vault cover
  • Using a screwdriver or other metal tool, short the two pins shown in the photo below for about 10 seconds.
  • Make sure to short the pins labeled "CMOS" and "GND" on the board

FW6 Series

To reset the CMOS/BIOS on the FW6 series:

  • Verify the Vault power supply is disconnected
  • Open the Vault cover
  • Using a screwdriver or other metal tool, short the two pins shown in the photo below for about 10 seconds.
vault cmos reset pins
FW6A/B/C CMOS Reset Pins
FW6D/E CMOS Reset

FW6D/E Video Guide:

VP Series

To reset the CMOS/BIOS on the VP series:

  • Verify the Vault power supply is disconnected
  • Open the Vault cover
  • Using a screwdriver or other metal tool, short the two pins shown in the photo below for about 10 seconds.

VP2410

VP2410 CMOS Reset Pins

VP2410 Video Guide:

VP2420

VP2420 CMOS Reset Pins

VP3200

VP3200 CMOS Reset Pins

VP4600

VP4600 Series CMOS Reset Pins

VP4600 Video Guide:

VP6600

After resetting, boot the Vault and verify that the system comes up correctly. If the Vault does not boot and operate correctly, more advanced troubleshooting options may need to be used. If there are any questions, feel free to reach out to us at support@protectli.com, or find more information in our Knowledge Base.

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