Laptop computer
Whenever you shut down your Dell laptop, certain settings known as BIOS settings are stored in a reserve section of memory powered by a CMOS battery. These settings include the date and time, as well as any modifications you may have made to your laptop's BIOS, such as adjustments to the laptop's processor settings or power management options. If the installed CMOS battery becomes depleted, you can install a replacement; however, the difficulty of the replacement process varies depending on your model of laptop.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Shut down your laptop and disconnect any attached cables, including the power cord.
2. Close the display, then turn the device over and examine the bottom panel.
3. Locate the installed battery module, then slide the battery release latch (located next to the battery) to the unlocked position. Pull the installed battery module out of the laptop and set it aside.
Battery Under Base Panel
4. Keep the laptop upside-down and locate the base panel set into the bottom of the base assembly. Remove all the screws securing the panel in place (on some models, you may only need to remove a single screw).
5. Search the edges of the panel for a recess; if present, insert your pry tool into the recess and use it to lift up the panel. Slide the base panel towards the outside edge of the laptop. Remove the panel and set it aside.
6. Examine the laptop's system board and locate the CMOS battery. Disconnect the cable connecting the battery to the system board, then remove the battery and set it aside. Connect your replacement CMOS battery and place it in the CMOS battery compartment.
Batttery Under Keyboard
7. Examine the underside of the laptop and remove the screws securing both the keyboard and the palm rest to the laptop's base. Return the laptop to an upright position and use your pry tool to detach the top edge of the keyboard from the laptop's base (on some models, you may need to first pry off a LED cover). Turn the keyboard over and disconnect the attached cable from the system board. Remove the keyboard and set it aside. Lift the palm rest and disconnect the attached cable from its connector.
8. Disconnect the laptop's speakers from the I/O board. Remove the screws securing the speakers in place. Remove the speakers and set them aside. Locate and remove the screws securing the hard drive assembly in place. Grip the pull tab attached to the hard drive assembly. Slide the assembly towards the outside edge of the laptop until you feel it disconnect. Remove the assembly and set it aside.
9. Locate the installed memory module. Push apart the clips on either side of the installed memory module. Grip the module by its plastic edges, then pull the module out of its connector. Set the module aside.
10. Examine the underside of the laptop and remove the screws securing the palm rest bracket to the laptop's base. Return the laptop to an upright position and disconnect the power button from the palm rest bracket. Remove the bracket and set it aside. Examine the system board and locate the Bluetooth card. Remove the screw securing the card in place, then lift the card up and out of the laptop.
11. Locate the coin cell battery. Disconnect the cable leading from the battery to the system board. Use your pry tool to remove the battery from its location (in some cases, it may be glued in place). Place your new CMOS battery in the same spot and connect the attached cable to the system board.
Tags: system board, screws securing, palm rest, aside Examine, attached cable, CMOS battery