Skip to main content
  • Place orders quickly and easily
  • View orders and track your shipping status
  • Create and access a list of your products

Invalid Configuration Information error is received at computer Power On Self-Test

Summary: This article describes why a Dell computer may produce an error at the initiation of the Power On Self-Test.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.

Symptoms

An error occurs when turning on the laptop that reads, "Invalid configuration information" and "Time-of-day not set" (Figure 1).
 

BIOS-RESET

Figure 1. Invalid Configuration information message.

Cause

This event is the result of resetting the BIOS to defaults. This event results from inadvertently holding down the power button for at least 25 seconds. It can also trigger when the computer is placed in a bag or a position where the power button may be engaged for a long period.

If the computer is imaged with the BIOS set in Legacy Mode, this BIOS reset places the computer in a no boot configuration as the default BIOS setting is UEFI. If operating in Legacy mode, press F2 to enter the BIOS and change the boot order back to legacy, then reboot the computer. Press the F1 key to boot the computer (due to the time and date not being set) then Windows should update the time and date automatically.

If BitLocker is enabled on the computer, the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is reset causing BitLocker to prompt for the recovery key.

Resolution

When this issue occurs, follow the guide instructions on the screen. Press the F2 Key (if attached to a keyboard) or the Volume Down button to enter the BIOS menu.

Once in the BIOS, reset the custom BIOS options (if any). Verify that the date and time are correct, and change any other needed BIOS menu options for your normal configuration and then restart the computer.

Note: For more information about the BIOS options on your computer, see Dell KB article 133505: Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product.

Affected Products

Latitude 5175 2-in-1, Latitude 5179 2-in-1
Article Properties
Article Number: 000125652
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 20 Sep 2024
Version:  8
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.