On Sat, 25 Jan 2003, Garth Meisel wrote:
> In all honesty, how many people have ever had to replace the CMOS battery of > a motherboard? You know, the little CR?2032 something battery. ... Usually a battery has to be replace between 3-7 years depending on the size and make of the battery. Most people who don't have battery problems keep buying new computers or motherboards every 1-3 years. Most motherboards have an external battery 4-plug socket usually next to the battery and labelled on the motherboard. All you need are 3 AA 1.5V batteries. Place them in a battery holder (found at Radio Shack, Active Components, and sometimes at computer repair shops) and make sure that the holder also has a 4-hole plug for the on-board motherboard socket. I usually replace the batteries every 2-3 years (I know when because I write and tape on the back of the computer the installation date of the new batteries). Over the years, I have been transfering my external battery pack each time I upgrade my motherboard. I usually tape it to the inside of the computer case but I've also seen it being taped to the outside with the wire going into the case through an open card slot. Unlucky computer owners have a clock battery that is black and retangular in shape. These batteries are proprietary and cost much more than $20 and I don't know what they are currently worth. (I avoid motherboards with these batteries so consequently I haven't replaced this type of battery in years, ex: a Dallas battery.) > taking computers apart if I don't have to. Computers are not automobiles and > automobiles are much like computers when it comes to the old "If it ain't > broke, don't fix it" rule. Computers are like cars in one respect: they both need batteries to start up :) The computer battery is supplying the required energy to store and maintain the time and CMOS settings when the computer is off. When the battery is dead, you have to reprogram the CMOS. I good way to be prepared is to print out your CMOS settings until you get an external battery pack or new battery. Happy maintaining, Peter
