A computer needs a certain amount of information to operate; for example, the date and time, the amount of memory installed, the number of drives and their configuration, and so on. In the early days of computers, either the user typed in this information each time the computer started, or it was set using DIP switches and jumpers. Today, computers store this information in a CMOS chip that uses a small battery to retain the information when the computer is shut off.
CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) is type of chip that consumes very little power; therefore, while the computer is turned off, the battery discharges very slowly. But the battery will totally discharge if you leave your computer turned off for a year or so. Even if you turn your computer on every day, the battery is designed to last only a couple of years. Occasionally a battery will fail prematurely.
Today's plug-and-play computers can detect most of the necessary settings, but if your CMOS battery is dead, your computer will not be able to retain the date and time. The computer will also lose any custom settings, for example, the boot sequence. If you set a password in CMOS, you may be locked out of the computer. If the CMOS battery does fail, you might receive the message "System Configuration Lost" when you start the computer. It would be wise to record all the CMOS settings as a precaution.
To record the CMOS settings, watch for an on-screen prompt when you first start your computer. The prompt tells you to press a key, usually the Del or F2, to enter CMOS. To enter the CMOS configuration utility, you have to press the indicated key while the message is on the screen. After the CMOS configuration screen appears, follow the instructions provided to page through all the screens and record all the settings.
If your computer loses its time setting overnight, the CMOS battery may not be holding a charge. The CMOS battery is located inside the case on the motherboard. Changing the battery is usually a job for a computer technician. In fact, a layman might not even be able to find the battery.
If you want to locate the CMOS battery in your computer, be aware that a static discharge from your hands can damage components inside the case. After taking proper precautions, open the case and look on the motherboard for a battery. If you have a diagram of your motherboard, locate the battery on the diagram first.
Different motherboards use different types of batteries. The battery may be shaped like a barrel or a coin. Some motherboards use a component that resembles a chip which contains the CMOS and the battery (made by DALLAS or Benchmarq). Batteries come in different voltages, so make sure you get an exact replacement.
Sometimes the battery is mounted in a holder. Sometimes it is soldered to the motherboard. De-soldering and re-soldering a battery is usually a job for a computer technician. An inexperienced solderer can cause a lot of damage. If you want to try to do it yourself, first practice on an obsolete circuit board. You may change your mind.
If the CMOS battery has failed because it's too old, this might be an opportunity to upgrade your motherboard. When upgrading a motherboard, the most important considerations are to make sure the new motherboard is the correct form factor for your case, and that the new motherboard has the correct bus connector slots for your expansion boards.
Copyright(C) Bucaro TecHelp
Permission is granted for the below article to forward, reprint, distribute, use for ezine, newsletter, website, offer as free bonus or part of a product for sale as long as no changes are made and the byline, copyright, and the resource box below is included.
About The Author
Stephen Bucaro
To learn how to maintain your computer and use it more effectively to design a Web site and make money on the Web visit bucarotechelp.com To subscribe to Bucaro TecHelp Newsletter visit bucarotechelp.com
limo Chicago Addison ..One of the most confusing parts of beginning your Cisco... Read More
Each of the items in the checklist below is part... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
ComputersBusinesses and individuals alike have all grown to rely on... Read More
Tip #1 -- Rebates: A rebate is not always a... Read More
So I'll start from the very beginning.One day I was... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
If you're a computer expert, you'll probably already know about... Read More
I got my eyes set on a iPod mini, as... Read More
In the years of the dot com boom and bust,... Read More
Windows Media Player 10 has been full of bugs from... Read More
BIOS - Basic Input Output SystemThe central processing unit of... Read More
So you've got some spyware, ad-ware, or viruses on your... Read More
If you use a computer, you need to know more... Read More
You probably heard of the new Firefox browser version 1.0... Read More
It seems like fast never quite rates fast enough.No matter... Read More
The DNS (Domain Name System) servers are what your computer... Read More
The best way to get the gaming computer that you... Read More
Understanding digital camera prices makes finding the best camera value... Read More
What led them to this choice, as all four studios... Read More
I've worked my way from the CCNA to the CCIE,... Read More
Here are some tips on how to use screensavers:First of... Read More
I am going to assume that you are running windows... Read More
PDA Medical BenefitsIf you are concerned about your medical history,... Read More
When you turn on your computer, does it act like... Read More
Benton transportation to O'Hare ..Microsoft Certifications are one of the most widely acclaimed, pursued,... Read More
In the years of the dot com boom and bust,... Read More
If you have a computer for home use or for... Read More
So you've got some spyware, ad-ware, or viruses on your... Read More
All over the world, people carry with them walkmans and... Read More
Are you looking for an MP3 player but am not... Read More
File permissions are one of the strengths that the Unix... Read More
When you think of a help desk, what do you... Read More
Flash mp3 players come with an exciting array of features,... Read More
This article describes the basic properties of color, what the... Read More
Using SQL Server 2000 and above versions you can retrieve... Read More
Heading off on vacation soon?Then perhaps you're tempted to take... Read More
Has This Ever Happened To You? OK.. it's Friday night,... Read More
MP3 players are Hot! Playing music has come a long... Read More
ASR (Automated System Recovery) is a feature available on the... Read More
Selecting a TV isn't as easy as it used to... Read More
"Aaaaaahhhhhh! I've been invaded by a virus!" Getting a virus... Read More
How familiar does the following sound? Your computer was working... Read More
Although there are many things that can affect the performance... Read More
This is the third in a series of articles highlighting... Read More
If you utilize a computer at home or work it... Read More
Computers are available in different shapes, sizes and weights, due... Read More
The United States Of America citizen feels that games is... Read More
Getting a new computer should be an exciting and gratifying... Read More
I have always been interested in computers, but in the... Read More
Personal Technology |