BIOS Battery

[Hawks]

Yeah. Is there an easy way (without opening the computer) to see if it's dead? I'm pretty sure it is, as when I restart the comp the time is reset and whack. If I go into the BIOS and fix it it still ends up wrong next time I turn it on.

 

It's a Dell GPX something I think. A desktop, not a tower though, running XP. I dunno if it could have gotten jostled out of place or something, the computer is only 2-3 years old.

[das1330]

Yeah. Is there an easy way (without opening the computer) to see if it's dead? I'm pretty sure it is, as when I restart the comp the time is reset and whack. If I go into the BIOS and fix it it still ends up wrong next time I turn it on.

 

It's a Dell GPX something I think. A desktop, not a tower though, running XP. I dunno if it could have gotten jostled out of place or something, the computer is only 2-3 years old.

 

To my knowledge there is no easy way to absolutely determine with certainty if a CMOS battery is dead, though what you described is typical for failing batteries.Given that a replacement battery costs no more then a dollar or two, I would replace it and see what happens.

[Corvus]

Yeah, there is no specific way to tell if the battery is dead, or if its another issue, however depending on the motherboard it may or may not be replaceable, as not all motherboards feature removeable CMOS Batteries (which I think is a rather stupid idea), and if it is one that is not designed to be removed it can be a great deal more difficult to replace.

[Doomster]

The BIOS (system health) with voiltages and temperatures, may also report the battery voltage - actually, most BIOSes do seem to report battery failure.

 

I think the system should retain time and settings using the 5VSB if it's in "soft off" rather thgan completely mains power off, so if it's losing under those conditions, that would be worrying.

[Hawks]

If I shut the computer down but leave the power strip it's plugged into on, it loses the time.

 

I will look in the BIOS again and see if it tells me anything under settings and such. I don't think it does, but I haven't spend much time mucking about in the BIOS.

[AlexTeHowneR]

The battery probably isn't dead, seeing as CMOS batteries last up to a decade.

[Sbrideau]

The battery probably isn't dead, seeing as CMOS batteries last up to a decade.

 

Not anymore, they're not bothering putting good batteries in there anymore as most people will have changed the computer before it is 5 years old.

[Tim]

Doesnt cost much for a new lithium battery anyway. I know we sell 'em at my work for $15 and we install 'em in too. (they're just a standard 3V Lithium Flat battery.

[Hawks]

$15? I got mine for $5 at RadioShack and put it in myself... Seems to work fine now at keeping the time!

[Sbrideau]

You can even find them at dollar stores. Low quality ones, but will still last quite a few years.

[jasignhagj]

Id avoid dollar store batteries, you don't want your computer being ruined because you wouldn't spit out the extra $4 for a brand name battery.

[lordkafei]

I've seen Energizer CR 2032s at my supermarket for about $US 2, and Google brings up a slew of name brand 2032s at around the same price.

[Sbrideau]

Id avoid dollar store batteries, you don't want your computer being ruined because you wouldn't spit out the extra $4 for a brand name battery.

 

I don't know how it would ruin the computer. Also the A+ teacher in my first year of college said they were ok.

[jasignhagj]

You've never had a cheap battery explode in something?

[Sbrideau]

You've never had a cheap battery explode in something?

 

Never, and I've used them a lot, although now I use rechargable batteries, which aren't cheap.

[jasignhagj]

I use rechargables too, they pay off if you have xbox controllers.

[Sbrideau]

I use rechargables too, they pay off if you have xbox controllers.

 

I use battery packs with my Xbox controller, which means I don't need rechargable batteries for it :P.

 

I guess we should get back on topic now :P.