Coin-style battery installation

Does anyone have a simple step by step procedure for replacing the coin-style battery which supplies Real Time Clock and CMOS memory for my Gateway computer? It is a lithium battery, CR2302, and is located near the RAM expansion slots. I am interested in post-replacement procedures such as restoring CMOS memory, etc. etc.

Thanks all.

 

A couple of ways you can do the replacement.

1. Shut down the computer, remove and replace the battery. You will probably loose all the CMOS/BIOS settings, so go into the BIOS and write them all down, especially if you have modified any. Restart the computer, go to the BIOS and reset settings.

2. And be careful doing this. You leave the computer running and remove and replace the battery. This way you will not loose any CMOS/BIOS settings but be sure you do not touch any "live" contact points on the motherboard or other gadgets inside.

In both cases, be sure you ground yourself out on the metal frame of the computer case to reduce the chance of static electricity discharge.

Just changing the battery should not affect or alter any other parts of the computer or memory or software programs.


Good luck.

 

I had no idea you could do that.
Makes sense, cmos is receiving voltage via the 120 volt wall connection.
My only suggestion in using this approach ... anything you stick in, probe or pry with, should be NON-conductive.

 

I would only change the battery with the power off in my experience. Its way too easy to create an accidental short circuit with the power on. Write down the bios settings so you can resotore them later.

 

A "hot" swap...errr...not for me

Some BIOS settings I have seen have "Allow update of CMOS "/ "Disallow update of CMOS ", these settings may come into play.

Maybe I am too cautious?

The Gateway website seems to have a lot of technical information. It should(?) have a procedure for changing the battery.

Matt

 

Coin style battery replacement

Thanks to all for your help. I will try something when my battery runs down. I have ordered more memory and thought it would also be a good time to replace the battery when I installed the memory.

Mattman: You say that Gateway should have a stepwise procedure for CR2032 battery replacement which is true and I agree. I have e-mailed Gateway and they sent only a description of the battery. I have searched their website and have yet to find a procedure. I will keep trying. Maybe best procedure is to get a Gateway technician on the phone to coach me when I eventually replace that little battery.

Thanks again to all.

 

Indycolt

If you can locate the battery on the motherboard ... look at it for couple of minutes ... I'm sure you will figure out how to remove it.
I've run across two types. One I had to loosen a small (s c r e w) to free up a metal hold down clip (pain in the butt). My current XP has two very small plastic tabs at 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock. You would gently pry underneath the battery at the 6 o'clock postion, battery will pop out. Just take your time, do it when no distractions in the house. One suggestion, wash and dry your hands before handling the new battery. When installing, buff it up and hold on the perimeter of the battery.