What you need and how to replace the BIOS battery yourself

Many ordinary users do not even suspect that the computer has a regular battery. Moreover, sometimes it needs to be changed, since the voltage drop can cause many problems, sometimes very strange and unpredictable. Sometimes troubleshooting or finding out the reasons for the strange behavior of the computer does not give results, and even reinstalling the system does not help, and you just need to replace the battery. It is quite inexpensive, and you can make a replacement yourself in a couple of minutes - only a screwdriver is required.

Methods of replacing the battery on the computer motherboard.

What is the battery on the computer motherboard?

The only thing that needs a battery on the computer's motherboard is to power the CMOS memory chip, which contains the BIOS settings, that is, the basic computer configuration settings. In addition, thanks to independent power work built-in clock. That is why they do not get off when disconnecting the system unit from the network.

Signs of a dead BIOS battery

When the battery has sat down, a variety of signs appear, sometimes implicit. The simplest symptom is the constant dropping of the system clock. This entails other problems, for example:

  • The browser on different sites swears at outdated security certificates, since the system time may differ by several years, or even decades.
  • The anti-virus can report that its databases are outdated, and the license is invalid, and all because of the inconsistency of the date with the current one.
  • Another symptom is that some programs stop running. Again because of the failure of the calendar.

Usually, immediately when you turn on the computer, you can detect signs of a dead battery - a message appears after the BIOS test, and further system loading may not go. Often this inscription looks like “Press F1 to CMOS Setup”, and when you press the F1 key, you go to the settings. The fact is that they are reset to the default settings, and each time the configuration must be configured, since nothing is saved after shutdown. Although with the default settings, the computer usually starts, but every time you turn on the story repeats.

Messages may be different, and all because of the battery BIOS. For example, there is the inscription "CMOS Battery Failed", which clearly indicates the problem, or "System Battery State Low" - a warning about the discharge of the battery. If you remove the battery from the motherboard and check the voltage on its contacts, then it really will be noticeably lower than it should be.

Where is the battery and how does it look

Finding this item is easy. If you open the system unit, you can immediately see which battery is in the motherboard and where it is located. Not to notice this shiny round element is difficult. It is located in a simple round nest with a clip, which can be placed both horizontally and vertically - on the edge, depending on the design of the motherboard. The BIOS battery is located next to the chip that feeds, it is easy to find an inscription on it. Nearby there is a jumper to reset the settings. Many people think that this is a battery that is recharged while the computer is running, but in fact it is not. The battery in the motherboard is the most common - manganese-lithium dioxide, with a diameter of 20 mm., With a voltage of about 3 volts. The same used in wall clocks, electronic scales and other household appliances.

It is marked, for example, as CR2025 or CR2032. The first number 20 is the diameter in millimeters, and the second is the thickness. The most common - CR2032, most likely, you will find such a battery in your system unit. It lasts for a period of 3-5 years, after which its voltage drops to about 2 volts and problems begin, since this is not enough to power the CMOS chip and it needs to be replaced. Sometimes there are enough batteries for a longer period - some work for 7 years and even longer, but sooner or later they are depleting their resources.

Where to buy a BIOS battery

Buy such batteries is not difficult. They are sold, for example, in any consumer electronics or household goods store, as they are used in many appliances and even toys. Their cost is also low - 20-30 rubles.

How to replace the battery in the computer

Replacing the battery on the computer's motherboard is a simple procedure. Consider it in more detail:

  • Disconnect the computer from the network, including the switch on the power supply on the back of the case.
  • Wait a few minutes.
  • Remove the cover of the system unit - the left, when viewed from the front.
  • Find the battery - it is inserted into a round plastic socket and can be placed on the board flat or on the edge.
  • Using a screwdriver or tweezers, pull the latch back while simultaneously pressing the battery to the side. After that, take it out.
  • Carefully install a new, the latch should close.
  • Replace the computer cover in place.

Getting the battery is the hardest part of this whole procedure, especially if it is located vertically. It is necessary to do everything carefully so as not to tear anything, so it is convenient to use a small screwdriver or tweezers. After switching on, go to the BIOS and re-set the clock and date. Usually, you can enter the settings by pressing the Delete key or F2 immediately after switching it on. You may need to change settings to increase computer performance or change boot devices. After all, the initial ones were reset when the old battery was still standing.

Now you know how to pull the battery out of the motherboard and what it is for. It is very easy to make, but you need to be careful, because the computer is a rather sensitive and complex device, and it can be broken with an awkward movement, and brute force even more so.