CMOS Battery
What is a CMOS Battery?
The CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-
Semiconductor) battery is a small, coin-
cell battery found on motherboards in
computers. It powers the CMOS chip,
which stores BIOS (Basic Input/Output
System) settings, real-time clock (RTC),
and other system configuration details when the computer is turned off.
Functions of the CMOS Battery
● Maintaining System Time and Date: The CMOS battery keeps the
real-time clock running even when the computer is powered down.
This ensures the system clock is accurate when the computer is
powered back on.
● Storing BIOS Settings: It preserves BIOS settings such as boot
sequence, system time and date, hardware configuration, and other
critical parameters that the system needs to boot up properly.
Lifespan of CMOS Batteries
Typically, a CMOS battery lasts between 2 to 10 years, depending on usage
and environmental factors. When the battery starts to fail, symptoms like
incorrect system time, BIOS setting resets, or error messages during boot
(e.g., "CMOS Checksum Error") may appear.
Types of CMOS Batteries
● CR2032: The most common type of CMOS battery, which is a 3V
lithium coin cell.
● Other Types: Some systems use different coin cell batteries, such as
CR2025 or CR2016, though these are less common.
Replacing a CMOS Battery
● Turn Off and Unplug the Computer: Ensure the computer is powered
down and disconnected from any power sources.
● Open the Computer Case: Carefully remove the case cover to access
the motherboard.
● Locate the CMOS Battery: Find the small, round coin-cell battery on
the motherboard.
● Remove the Old Battery: Gently pop the old battery out of its holder.
Note its orientation.
● Insert the New Battery: Place the new battery in the holder, ensuring
the orientation matches the old one.
● Close the Case and Reboot: Replace the case cover, plug in the
computer, and power it on. You may need to enter the BIOS to reset
the date, time, and any custom settings.
Signs of a Failing CMOS Battery
● Incorrect date and time settings
● BIOS settings resetting to defaults
● Error messages related to BIOS during startup
● Difficulty in maintaining power-on self-test (POST) results
Importance of CMOS Battery
Despite its small size, the CMOS battery plays a crucial role in maintaining
system stability and user settings. Its primary function is to ensure the
computer's configuration is retained even when the system is not powered.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
● Frequent Resetting of Time/Date: This usually indicates a failing
CMOS battery and it needs replacement.
● BIOS Error Messages: Messages like "CMOS Checksum Error" or
"CMOS Battery Failure" during boot-up point to battery issues.
● Hardware Recognition Problems: If the BIOS settings reset frequently,
the system might fail to recognize hardware components correctly.
In conclusion, the CMOS battery, though often overlooked, is essential for
the smooth operation of a computer by ensuring critical system settings
and the system clock are preserved between uses. Regular monitoring and
timely replacement of this battery can prevent a range of issues related to
system configuration and stability.
