Many users have heard at least once, and many have opened and changed settings in the laptop’s BIOS. However, not everyone understands the difference between BIOS and CMOS.
In simple words, the BIOS is a software shell that allows the user to see the state of their computer and change some hardware settings (for example, set the disk from which the system should boot). Even simpler, the BIOS is a program.
CMOS is the memory that stores all the settings and options set in the BIOS. Physically, CMOS is a set of chips on the motherboard. However, CMOS memory, unlike, for example, hard disk memory, is volatile. This means that it needs an electrical power source at all times. Otherwise, all parameters set in it are reset (including the computer’s system time).
If you notice that your laptop is starting to malfunction, don’t panic. Perhaps the reason is that the CMOS battery is running low.
How do detect a bad CMOS battery?
When the CMOS battery is dead, it cannot power the system BIOS firmware. This will disable the BIOS firmware and restore it to its original factory settings. Here are a few ways to identify a bad CMOS battery.
Your Laptop Is Facing Booting Issues
Since the CMOS powers the BIOS, battery failure can result in booting problems. Your system may boot up slowly or may not boot up at all.
Altered Time And Date Settings
Even when your laptop is shut down or not operational, the BIOS firmware is working round the clock to track real-time data such as the date and time at a given location. Thus, if your device shows altered settings, it is most likely because the CMOS battery has died.
Operating Of The Peripherals Is Off
If you see that the device inputs aren’t responsive or are acting absurd, there’s a high chance that your BIOS has gone for a toss.
Hardware Drivers Have Disappeared
Whenever your CMOS fails, any additionally installed hardware drivers from your laptop can disappear. In such a case, all you have to do is browse through Rome Tech Batteries to find a compatible CMOS battery and replace it after which you can redownload and reinstall your drivers.
How To Replace A CMOS Battery?
A good thing about CMOS failure is that it simply affects the BIOS firmware and doesn’t touch your storage. Thus, after replacing the battery, you should be able to access and retrieve all your data stored on the device. Here are a few quick and easy steps to help you replace your CMOS.
Buy A New CMOS Battery
Rome Tech Batteries offers a wide range of CMOS batteries for nearly all laptop models at very affordable rates. Find the right one based on your device’s model and you’re good to go.
Strip Down Your Laptop
Turn off your device and unplug it from the power source and other cables. Then, using a screwdriver, remove the laptop casing to give you access to the battery. Once you’ve got a good view of the battery, gently remove it from the rest of the hardware.
Get Rid Of The Old CMOS Battery And Replace It
It is the most critical step. When you’ve removed the battery, you should be able to see the motherboard. Now, try to spot the CMOS battery. It is a shiny and round coin-shaped piece of hardware. Before you take it out, note its orientation to get an idea of how to place the new one back.
Then, you can slide the CMOS out of its socket. While working around the motherboard, make sure to exercise precautions. Any damage to the motherboard can impact your laptop severely. Once the old CMOS is out, slide the new one into the holding socket orienting it accordingly.
Reinstall The Laptop And Test It
After the new CMOS is in, you can reinstall the battery and re-screw the laptop casings shutting. Then, connect it to a power source and reboot the laptop. You’ll see that the BIOS settings would’ve reverted to their factory settings. All you need to do now is reset them, and your device is as good as new! However, if you see that your laptop is still facing booting issues, it could be due to a faulty BIOS and not your CMOS.
CMOS Batteries
If you’re finding that your data configuration flow is obstructed or that your device is having a hard time booting up, your CMOS battery has probably failed. In such cases, you must replace and reinstall a new CMOS battery to restore the functioning of your device. On the Rome Tech Batteries website you can find a wide range of CMOS batteries suitable for almost all laptop models.
