Desktop

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Dead CMOS battery

0 helpful
3 replies

by pete

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
Is there a work around to boot an old 286 running DOS6.0. Error message reads - "Clock chip lost power. Incorrect configuration data in CMOS." It won't allow me to change the boot media from 5.25 to 3.5. The battery is soldered to the motherboard.

3 replies

by thechas

You should be able to find a replacement or substitute battery.
Sources include Radio Shack, MCM Electronics, or www.cyberguys.com

As a work-around, usually, you can press the reset button, and the CMOS will allow you to enter setup and change the options.

Unfortunately, you need to do this everytime you shut of the power to the PC.

Many of these motherboards had a header for an external battery.
You need to get a NiCad battery pack of the correct voltage (Usually 3.6V) and connect it the header with the correct polarity.

I recommend using a pair of side cutters to remove the old battery to keep it from draining the new battery.

If you or a friend has "good" electrical soldering skills, you could also wire a battery to theterminals left from removing the old battery.
Just pay attention to the polarity, and don't use too large a solder iron to keep the heat down.

Chas

This discussion is closed to new replies.