If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
cmos battery
I have an old computer (a 386) which I use for some old DOS programs and
games which are balky on my XP box. It can go several months between uses; usually when the grand kids visit. Today, while my grandson attempted to start it, it gave back a message that the cmos battery state was low and would not boot. I went into the setup program, re-entered the HD information (I had recorded it previously), saved it and tried to reboot. It would not boot and reverted to the same message (data wasn't held). I searched the MB looking for the battery (hoping to find an easily replaceable disc battery) but couldn't find one. I then powered down and unplugged the unit, hooked up my anti-static wrist strap, and removed the data cables from the (2) floppy drives and the mother board (in order to easily view the MB). Still no battery. I saw a Dallas Real Time Clock chip, and after searching the web, came to realize that the chip was a clock, cmos memory, and battery, all in one. Damn, the MB had many socketed chips, but that sucker was soldered to the board. Prior to this operation, the computer would attempt to boot, but stop short and give the message. Afterward, the disks would not seek a boot sector. I was very careful not to cause any static and did not use any metal near the mother board. I'm wondering if the disconnections caused this (how?). The computer is a no-name, made in China box with worthless documentation. The RTC chips seem to be readily available, but the soldering job looks ominous. I could do without the clock function. If only there was a way to solder a battery (leads connected) {don't know what the voltage requirements are}. Should I just scrap the box and pick up an old Win 95 box to replace it? Anyone? Any bright ideas? HankG |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
This Dallas chip should be available. Ask at your local computer service
center. You will need the numbers written on it for your service supplier to identify the exact type. You will need the service people to change it for you, unless you are equiped to do very delicate soldering, and have the experience to do it without making any colateral damage. -- Greetings, Romeo E. Albert ============ "HankG" no_one@invalid wrote in message ... I have an old computer (a 386) which I use for some old DOS programs and games which are balky on my XP box. It can go several months between uses; usually when the grand kids visit. Today, while my grandson attempted to start it, it gave back a message that the cmos battery state was low and would not boot. I went into the setup program, re-entered the HD information (I had recorded it previously), saved it and tried to reboot. It would not boot and reverted to the same message (data wasn't held). I searched the MB looking for the battery (hoping to find an easily replaceable disc battery) but couldn't find one. I then powered down and unplugged the unit, hooked up my anti-static wrist strap, and removed the data cables from the (2) floppy drives and the mother board (in order to easily view the MB). Still no battery. I saw a Dallas Real Time Clock chip, and after searching the web, came to realize that the chip was a clock, cmos memory, and battery, all in one. Damn, the MB had many socketed chips, but that sucker was soldered to the board. Prior to this operation, the computer would attempt to boot, but stop short and give the message. Afterward, the disks would not seek a boot sector. I was very careful not to cause any static and did not use any metal near the mother board. I'm wondering if the disconnections caused this (how?). The computer is a no-name, made in China box with worthless documentation. The RTC chips seem to be readily available, but the soldering job looks ominous. I could do without the clock function. If only there was a way to solder a battery (leads connected) {don't know what the voltage requirements are}. Should I just scrap the box and pick up an old Win 95 box to replace it? Anyone? Any bright ideas? HankG |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
On Fri, 24 Dec 2004 20:33:25 -0500, "HankG" no_one@invalid wrote:
I have an old computer (a 386) which I use for some old DOS programs and games which are balky on my XP box. It can go several months between uses; usually when the grand kids visit. Today, while my grandson attempted to start it, it gave back a message that the cmos battery state was low and would not boot. I went into the setup program, re-entered the HD information (I had recorded it previously), saved it and tried to reboot. It would not boot and reverted to the same message (data wasn't held). I searched the MB looking for the battery (hoping to find an easily replaceable disc battery) but couldn't find one. I then powered down and unplugged the unit, hooked up my anti-static wrist strap, and removed the data cables from the (2) floppy drives and the mother board (in order to easily view the MB). Still no battery. I saw a Dallas Real Time Clock chip, and after searching the web, came to realize that the chip was a clock, cmos memory, and battery, all in one. Damn, the MB had many socketed chips, but that sucker was soldered to the board. Prior to this operation, the computer would attempt to boot, but stop short and give the message. Afterward, the disks would not seek a boot sector. I was very careful not to cause any static and did not use any metal near the mother board. I'm wondering if the disconnections caused this (how?). The computer is a no-name, made in China box with worthless documentation. The RTC chips seem to be readily available, but the soldering job looks ominous. I could do without the clock function. If only there was a way to solder a battery (leads connected) {don't know what the voltage requirements are}. Should I just scrap the box and pick up an old Win 95 box to replace it? Anyone? Any bright ideas? HankG Usually, there's a connection right near there on the mainboard where you can hook up an external battery and connector. If your's has one, they'll also be a jumper to change the source of the current...from internal to external battery. Good luck. Have a nice one... Trent© Follow Joan Rivers' example --- get pre-embalmed! |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
"Jerry G." wrote in message ... This Dallas chip should be available. Ask at your local computer service center. You will need the numbers written on it for your service supplier to identify the exact type. You will need the service people to change it for you, unless you are equiped to do very delicate soldering, and have the experience to do it without making any colateral damage. I really don't want to fork over $100 to CompUSA to swap a $15 chip. Might just give it a try. HankG "HankG" no_one@invalid wrote in message ... I have an old computer (a 386) which I use for some old DOS programs and games which are balky on my XP box. It can go several months between uses; usually when the grand kids visit. Today, while my grandson attempted to start it, it gave back a message that the cmos battery state was low and would not boot. I went into the setup program, re-entered the HD information (I had recorded it previously), saved it and tried to reboot. It would not boot and reverted to the same message (data wasn't held). I searched the MB looking for the battery (hoping to find an easily replaceable disc battery) but couldn't find one. I then powered down and unplugged the unit, hooked up my anti-static wrist strap, and removed the data cables from the (2) floppy drives and the mother board (in order to easily view the MB). Still no battery. I saw a Dallas Real Time Clock chip, and after searching the web, came to realize that the chip was a clock, cmos memory, and battery, all in one. Damn, the MB had many socketed chips, but that sucker was soldered to the board. Prior to this operation, the computer would attempt to boot, but stop short and give the message. Afterward, the disks would not seek a boot sector. I was very careful not to cause any static and did not use any metal near the mother board. I'm wondering if the disconnections caused this (how?). The computer is a no-name, made in China box with worthless documentation. The RTC chips seem to be readily available, but the soldering job looks ominous. I could do without the clock function. If only there was a way to solder a battery (leads connected) {don't know what the voltage requirements are}. Should I just scrap the box and pick up an old Win 95 box to replace it? Anyone? Any bright ideas? HankG |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
"Trent©" wrote in message ... On Fri, 24 Dec 2004 20:33:25 -0500, "HankG" no_one@invalid wrote: I have an old computer (a 386) which I use for some old DOS programs and games which are balky on my XP box. It can go several months between uses; usually when the grand kids visit. Today, while my grandson attempted to start it, it gave back a message that the cmos battery state was low and would not boot. I went into the setup program, re-entered the HD information (I had recorded it previously), saved it and tried to reboot. It would not boot and reverted to the same message (data wasn't held). I searched the MB looking for the battery (hoping to find an easily replaceable disc battery) but couldn't find one. I then powered down and unplugged the unit, hooked up my anti-static wrist strap, and removed the data cables from the (2) floppy drives and the mother board (in order to easily view the MB). Still no battery. I saw a Dallas Real Time Clock chip, and after searching the web, came to realize that the chip was a clock, cmos memory, and battery, all in one. Damn, the MB had many socketed chips, but that sucker was soldered to the board. Prior to this operation, the computer would attempt to boot, but stop short and give the message. Afterward, the disks would not seek a boot sector. I was very careful not to cause any static and did not use any metal near the mother board. I'm wondering if the disconnections caused this (how?). The computer is a no-name, made in China box with worthless documentation. The RTC chips seem to be readily available, but the soldering job looks ominous. I could do without the clock function. If only there was a way to solder a battery (leads connected) {don't know what the voltage requirements are}. Should I just scrap the box and pick up an old Win 95 box to replace it? Anyone? Any bright ideas? HankG Usually, there's a connection right near there on the mainboard where you can hook up an external battery and connector. If your's has one, they'll also be a jumper to change the source of the current...from internal to external battery. I should be so lucky. Check the 'documentation'. Nothing in it regarding battery voltage. How would I go about determining that? BTW, shouldn't the setup info I enter be retained as long as the unit is powered up? It isn't. HankG |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
HankG wrote:
"Jerry G." wrote in message ... This Dallas chip should be available. Ask at your local computer service center. You will need the numbers written on it for your service supplier to identify the exact type. You will need the service people to change it for you, unless you are equiped to do very delicate soldering, and have the experience to do it without making any colateral damage. I really don't want to fork over $100 to CompUSA to swap a $15 chip. Might just give it a try. HankG "HankG" no_one@invalid wrote in message ... I have an old computer (a 386) which I use for some old DOS programs and games which are balky on my XP box. It can go several months between uses; usually when the grand kids visit. Today, while my grandson attempted to start it, it gave back a message that the cmos battery state was low and would not boot. I went into the setup program, re-entered the HD information (I had recorded it previously), saved it and tried to reboot. It would not boot and reverted to the same message (data wasn't held). I searched the MB looking for the battery (hoping to find an easily replaceable disc battery) but couldn't find one. I then powered down and unplugged the unit, hooked up my anti-static wrist strap, and removed the data cables from the (2) floppy drives and the mother board (in order to easily view the MB). Still no battery. I saw a Dallas Real Time Clock chip, and after searching the web, came to realize that the chip was a clock, cmos memory, and battery, all in one. Damn, the MB had many socketed chips, but that sucker was soldered to the board. Prior to this operation, the computer would attempt to boot, but stop short and give the message. Afterward, the disks would not seek a boot sector. I was very careful not to cause any static and did not use any metal near the mother board. I'm wondering if the disconnections caused this (how?). The computer is a no-name, made in China box with worthless documentation. The RTC chips seem to be readily available, but the soldering job looks ominous. I could do without the clock function. If only there was a way to solder a battery (leads connected) {don't know what the voltage requirements are}. Should I just scrap the box and pick up an old Win 95 box to replace it? Anyone? Any bright ideas? HankG Are quite sure it is not in a socket? Many times they use one instead of soldering it into the MB. |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
On Fri, 24 Dec 2004 20:33:25 -0500, "HankG" no_one@invalid
wrote: I have an old computer (a 386) which I use for some old DOS programs and games which are balky on my XP box. It can go several months between uses; usually when the grand kids visit. Today, while my grandson attempted to start it, it gave back a message that the cmos battery state was low and would not boot. I went into the setup program, re-entered the HD information (I had recorded it previously), saved it and tried to reboot. It would not boot and reverted to the same message (data wasn't held). I searched the MB looking for the battery (hoping to find an easily replaceable disc battery) but couldn't find one. I then powered down and unplugged the unit, hooked up my anti-static wrist strap, and removed the data cables from the (2) floppy drives and the mother board (in order to easily view the MB). Still no battery. I saw a Dallas Real Time Clock chip, and after searching the web, came to realize that the chip was a clock, cmos memory, and battery, all in one. Damn, the MB had many socketed chips, but that sucker was soldered to the board. Prior to this operation, the computer would attempt to boot, but stop short and give the message. Afterward, the disks would not seek a boot sector. I was very careful not to cause any static and did not use any metal near the mother board. I'm wondering if the disconnections caused this (how?). The computer is a no-name, made in China box with worthless documentation. The RTC chips seem to be readily available, but the soldering job looks ominous. I could do without the clock function. If only there was a way to solder a battery (leads connected) {don't know what the voltage requirements are}. Should I just scrap the box and pick up an old Win 95 box to replace it? Anyone? Any bright ideas? HankG Examine the board to see if there are traces leading from the RTC to a pin-header (might be necessary to see the back of the board). That was sometimes used to allow adding a battery module while keeping original RTC. |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
HankG:
Should I just scrap the box and pick up an old Win 95 box to replace it? Anyone? Any bright ideas? Let me say that you have received a lot of helpful advice on how to fix the board, but I would toss it and buy a new box. Suppose it costs $15 to fix, I bet you can pick up a 486 for the same price or free. -- Mac Cool |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
"Mac Cool" wrote in message ... HankG: Should I just scrap the box and pick up an old Win 95 box to replace it? Anyone? Any bright ideas? Let me say that you have received a lot of helpful advice on how to fix the board, but I would toss it and buy a new box. Suppose it costs $15 to fix, I bet you can pick up a 486 for the same price or free. -- Mac Cool Good point. Have been looking for one. HankG |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
HankG:
I bet you can pick up a 486 for the same price or free. Mac Cool Good point. Have been looking for one. http://www.freecycle.org/ -- Mac Cool |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
A7N8X Motherboard Low Temperature Sensitivity, CMOS Checksum Error | kony | General | 6 | October 18th 04 05:38 AM |
How long will CMOS battery hold a charge | Jim | General | 5 | August 16th 04 04:27 PM |
cmos battery (continued) | philo | General | 3 | May 14th 04 01:13 AM |
cmos battery | philo | General | 4 | May 11th 04 12:46 PM |
CMOS Battery Retainer | MH | General | 2 | January 11th 04 11:38 PM |