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When your motherboard does not save settings it may be time to replace the CMOS battery

Your motherboard may forget the time and date or the onboard device settings at some point in time. A Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) is used on the computer's motherboard to save the system settings (time and date, on-board devices, etc.). It uses an on-board battery to keep it powered when the system is turned off. The standard replacement is a CR2032 lithium battery.

Typical CMOS battery
A generic CR2032 lithium cell

Common indicators that the CMOS battery needs to be replaced

  • You start your computer and almost immediately get a message similar to this: System settings have changed. Press F1 to resume, F2 to Setup.
  • You run your computer 24/7, only restarting for maintenance. You notice that the on-board clock is running slow and not keeping the correct time.

Replacing the CMOS battery

  1. With the system turned off, unplug the power cord.
  2. Open the computer case.
  3. Locate the CMOS battery.
    Typical CMOS battery location
  4. Press the battery release lever, and the battery will pop up.
    CMOS battery release lever
    CMOS battery released
  5. Replace with a new battery.
  6. Close the computer case and plug in the power cord.

Free computer diagnostics

Repairing a PC can sometimes be expensive, and that is why we offer free basic in-shop diagnostics. Give one of our professional and experienced technicians a call at (602) 795-1111, and let's see what we can do for you.

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Here at Geeks in Phoenix, we take pride in providing excellent customer service. We aim to give the highest quality of service  from computer repair, virus removal, and data recovery.

Bring your computer to us and save

Repairing a computer can be time-consuming. That is why we base our in-shop service on the time we work on your computer, not the time it takes for your computer to work! From running memory checking software to scanning for viruses, these are processes that can take some time.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at (602) 795-1111  and talk with one of our Geeks. Or you can send us a message from our contact page , and one of our Geeks will get back to you as soon as possible. Or you can stop by and see us. Here are our hours and location.

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