A computer may sometimes show error messages
related to time and date options or other errors like 'no operating system or new CPU is installed'. All these are indications that it is time to change the battery
of the motherboard i.e. the CMOS battery
of the system. The depletion of this battery
happens and hence it must be replaced ideally every five years. The replacement process has to be carefully followed to avoid any inadvertent problems. Saving the BIOS data
prior to the battery change and configuration of the same, after the installation of the new CMOS battery
, must also be done properly.
If your computer is experiencing problems with the date and time or you see the following error messages:
These problems may be due to the fact that your CMOS battery is depleted and it's time to replace it.
It is recommended that you change the CMOS battery every 5 years.
Saving the BIOS data
Open the BIOS
screen and note all the information on a piece of paper. It's important that you don't make any modifications. Once completed this document will be useful to check out if all the parameters are correctly inserted after replacing the battery.
Identify the CMOS battery
The CMOS battery is thin round button-like object. It can sometimes be hidden by extension cards or connectors. On older PCs it may have a cylindrical shape.
The most widely used battery model is the CR2032
How to locate it:
- Where :
- CR- lithium battery
- 20 - 20mm diameter
- 32- Thickness 32* 0.1 mm
- This type of battery is easily found and fairly cheap to purchase
- Turn off your PC
- Remove the power cable attached to your system unit and remove the casing.
- Discharge your system unit from static electricity by touching it with a metallic object.
Removing the discharged battery
First of all, be sure that your System unit is laid down horizontally. The positive pole of the battery should be visible. Remove the battery, but avoid forcing it and any contact with other parts of your motherboard (refer to the manual provide with your motherboard). Go to your local retailer any buy a battery of the same model or something equivalent.
Installing the new battery
Be sure that the battery is placed correctly (firmly) in the slot allocated
Verify the BIOS data and resetting the clock
Once the operation complete, it is important to configure the BIOS settings:
- Start your PC.
- Enter the BIOS.
- Modify the date.
- Check the parameters are the same as the ones noted in step 1
- Perform any modifications required if not
- Save and quit BIOS.
Published by netty5
. - Latest update by Jeff