Success! :) Computer whizzes, I need to change my battery.

by sylviad

Posted: 17 years ago 30 replies

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I realize this is a little off topic, but I'm not sure where else to ask this.

My computer clock keeps running slow and I've been told I need to replace the battery in my Motherboard. The current one is 5 years old. My partner used to build computers so I am familiar with some aspects of computer innerds, like how "dangerous" it is to mess with the Motherboard, and how static can create havoc.

I found instructions online that explains how to change the battery. It's very straight forward and I don't foresee any problems unless I have to move peripherals or something to get to the battery.

My question is...

Apart from the static charge zapping my motherboard, putting the battery in upside down or bumping something that shouldn't be bumped, does anyone foresee any reason why I shouldn't try to change this measly $4 battery myself?

BTW, I do have one of those static wrist gizmos but I don't know where to clip it. Will any metal surface do? Or does the surface have to be grounded? I found a strap my partner used but it has a plug rather than a clip. I'm assuming the plug (like those little plugs that plug speakers into your stereo) is meant to be plugged into the back of the computer in any one of those holes that usually take your speaker plug, for example. Is this right?

Oh. And yes, I know I have to disconnect the computer before I begin.

Thanks.

Sylvia

#battery #change #computer #whizzes

KimW 17 years ago

What type of computer do you have? Have you bought the battery already? (they usually are closer to $6, not $4) A far as the plug your partner has, I've never seen one like that.
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- sylviad 17 years ago
  
  It's an PC and yes, I already purchased the battery according to the Motherboard manual diagram. Actually, the article I mentioned said $4 but I think I paid $5 and change from The Source.
  
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KimW

17 years ago

Hi, no offense but I meant what brand. I'm trying to determine your case type. For example, Dells are very easy to open, most you dont even ahve to use a tool.
But basically you make sure your case is on a static free surface (and yes,unplugged).
Discahrge the static electricity from your body. Usually touching something metallic will do the trick.
Open the case up and remove the old battery. Depending on the location it might be very simple, or it might be harder to access,but perseverence will pay off. be very careful not to break the clip holding the battery in tho.
After you replace the battery and close the case up, you will need to go into the cmos and reset various items such as the time and date..

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Eric Lorence 17 years ago

Don't risk it yourself, visit a computer center and spend the $20 or so.

It is just too big of an investment to take that risk for someone whom is not an expert.

Not to mention for someone whom earns a living through their computer.

Just my op.

Best!
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sylviad

17 years ago

Originally Posted by KimW

Hi Kim,

No offense taken. My computer doesn't have a "brand", like Dell. A local computer specialist service provided it. He put in an ASUS which I believe is the motherboard. It's a tower and without pulling it out from its tight spot, I'm guessing it probably has a few screws in the back holding the sides in place... but maybe not. No visible screws from here.

Thanks for the reminder about taking care about the clip breaking.

I already wrote down all the info in the CMOS Utility, so I'm set to go if I need to re-enter anything. I was thinking that when I first start it up I'll probably get some screen asking me to do something. I figure if I just ask it to load the defaults, I can then go in and see if everything is right according to my notes.

Does this make sense? Or should I just reenter my info right away? I thought using the default would save me a bit of work entering stuff.

You are right, too. It costs way more than $20 to have a pro do it. It's $85 here.

Fortunately, I'm a DIYer so am somewhat handy with many things. This seems like an extremely easy task.

But just in case something does go wrong, what would a new Motherboard cost me?

Thanks for your help.

Thomas...

You are right, of course, but since I do have some time (I'm not planning to do it until tomorrow AM), I figured I might as well get some advice from the knowledgeable Warriors while I'm waiting.

Sylvia

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Eric Lorence 17 years ago

Motherboard and installation in my area, $200-$500 US

The problem may not just be the battery installation, but more so the disassembly, reassembly.

The pro's are paid this for a reason.

I was a DOOer once, cost me $400, sorry about the doom and gloom, and I know about tight money.

Just a fair warning, I'm done.

Best!
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- sylviad 17 years ago
  
  Well, if I open it up and it looks too daring, I won't take the chance.
  I'm sure removing the exterior panel won't hurt anything. Disassembling is another thing entirely, so I'm hoping there isn't anything to disassemble.
  
  Thanks for the advice. It always pays to be cautious.
  
  Sylvia
  
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KimW 17 years ago

Yes, she could do that. But it would be a minimum of $75 in my area.
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- Eric Lorence 17 years ago
  
  Tax write-off, cost of doing business.
  
  Consider the cost if the MB becomes fried.
  
  Best,
  
  Thanks
  
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KimW 17 years ago

Actually,it's her choice, Either option works.If she wants to try herself tho, I have told her the basics of doing it based on the information provided.
When I had my shop, I loved replacing the battery.It was a nice upsell.I got the battery from Radio Shack for about $6, charged $15 and another $20 to install it and 99% of the time it takes less than 5 minutes.
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Thomas Wilkinson 17 years ago

Sylvia, you could have done it in less time than
it took to read the thread. Go for it. Its a big
nothing.

T.W.
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KimW 17 years ago

Probably true Thomas,but the first time someone opens up one of these mysterious boxes it's a time of awe and mystery.
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- Eric Lorence 17 years ago
  
  Actually,it's her choice
  
  OK, thanks for letting me know that,
  
  But anyway, seriously consider outsourcing this, if your not 100% confident.
  
  Good luck!
  
  Thanks
  
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getsmartt 17 years ago

Sylvia, this is a pretty straight forward DIY project

fairly generic instructions here...
How to replace the CMOS battery.

1. always unplug the computer,
2. always write down ALL of the settings from all of the screens in you BIOS, the default settings may get you started but they may not always be the optimum settings
3. the wrist band thing can plug into the speaker or mic port, do this before you unplug the computer.
4. You will most likely have to unplug stuff to get to the battery, just keep a notebook handy so you can write down what you do.
5. It is always good to have a friend you can get a hold of who has a working computer, in case something does go wrong and you need to google something.
6. Always unplug the computer...did I say that already!
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- sylviad 17 years ago
  
  Thanks, Getsmartt...
  
  I've printed out that article as a backup to the excellent one I already got from another site. I'll print out your instructions, too, along with the others.
  
  Yes, I already did write down absolutely everything in the BIOS untility screens.
  
  Question.. what "things" might I have to unplug to access the battery?
  
  Thanks.
  
  Sylvia
  
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  Sami 17 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by sylviad
  
  Question.. what "things" might I have to unplug to access the battery?
  
  Thanks.
  
  Sylvia
  
  generally the battery is exposed on the mother board and since you have the replacement already you know what to look for. It normally sits flat in a tiny black plastic casing with the top exposed with the exception of a little clip that holds it in place.
  
  Your wrist strap or or wrist must be earthed aginst anything that is earthed itself. So just a metal surface is not enough.
  
  But that is really only a precaution. If you don't touch any other components and tocuh an earthed surfce just before you touch the battery then you can just slip the battery in without trouble. (I have a PhD in industrial electronics.) And don't walk around on your carpet before doing this (you'll pick up more static).
  
  Sami
  
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  sylviad 17 years ago
  
  Thanks, Sami
  
  I'm sure I can do this. My partner taught me some stuff, too, but unfortunately he's no longer here to help... except in spirit maybe.
  
  Sylvia
  
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KimW 17 years ago

Sami is right about NOT having to unplug anything usually.
As far as the grounding, yes, everyone recommends it. If you've read the manual, you should know whats safe in regard to that.
If I thought it was beyong your scope I would have flat out told you that,but as others have said, (and myself earlier) its fairly easy.
Yes you are correct that Asus is the brand of the motherboard,and it sounds like what you have is called a custom built.
If you have any questions,feel free to ask me here or via PM.
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- sylviad 17 years ago
  
  Thanks, Kim.
  
  When I saw the schematic in the Asus manual and the photo of the battery casing, I was convinced I could do this. Quite likely people are thinking this is paranoia but when something is this important and unfamiliar, I like to study ever angle before jumping in. Diving in without doing the research is just careless. Although... I can be careless, too.
  
  Thanks again to you and everyone who helped me clear up these concerns.
  
  Sylvia
  
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Thomas Wilkinson 17 years ago

OK, I understand the paranoia. Every one of us has been there.
Here's my story. Way back when I determined I needed more ram
to get my web cam to work properly. I got advice in my Yahoo
chat room. Opened up my computer for the first time, pulled the
ram that was there so I could take it with me to the store (20 miles).
I got to Best Buy, collared a clerk and asked her if she had another
one just like it. She answered "yes, but why would you want two
dial up modems". I feel your pain, but it will be OK.

T.W.

Edit: First thing when you reboot. Go into the CMOS and be sure the
date is set right. Older ASUS boards have a tendency not to do this by
themselves.
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- sylviad 17 years ago
  
  That's funny, Tom.
  
  Well, it's time for late night news. At least, I think it is. My computer clock says 2:56 pm but, look! According to my wall clock, it's actually 10:56 pm.
  
  Wish me luck! I'll tackle this thing tomorrow morning.
  
  Thank goodness for my laptop... hope it still works.
  
  If I disappear for a few weeks, you'll know why.
  
  Sylvia
  
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  sylviad 17 years ago
  
  Hi everyone...
  
  Fantastic news!
  
  I changed the battery and my computer is up and running just fine. So far, the clock is keeping time but I'll know better later this afternoon if this was the problem.
  
  Thanks to all who helped and supported me in this moment of dire need.
  
  Yay, Warriors!
  
  Sylvia
  
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  Thomas Wilkinson 17 years ago
  
  Told ya!!!
  
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  Neil Morgan 17 years ago
  
  Well done Sylvia.
  
  I recently found a web page that described how to charge the battery in my HP iPAQ which involved cutting one end off a USB cable, plugging it into a USB sokcet on my PC then putting the bare wires at the other end onto the terminals of the battery.
  
  Now, I like to think I can manage most hardware related tasks but this was one I chose to avoid
  
  Cheers,
  
  Neil
  
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Kim Standerline

17 years ago

You clever thing Sylvia

Youre a braver person than me lol, I would have definitely fried something.

I was really impressed with how you approached everything

Your just a coward Neil lol

Kim

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Neil Morgan

17 years ago

Your just a coward Neil

No Kim, that was based on real experience!

When I was 10 or 11, I decided it would be fun to plug my little 6 volt Lego motor into the mains to see what would happen.

Big bang.
Black face.
Very, very shaken child.

I learned a lesson

Cheers,

Neil

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sylviad

17 years ago

Originally Posted by Thomas Wilkinson

Told ya!!!

{Giggle}

Originally Posted by Neil Morgan

Well done Sylvia.

I recently found a web page that described how to charge the battery in my HP iPAQ which involved cutting one end off a USB cable, plugging it into a USB sokcet on my PC then putting the bare wires at the other end onto the terminals of the battery.

Now, I like to think I can manage most hardware related tasks but this was one I chose to avoid

Cheers,

Neil

Originally Posted by Kim Standerline

You clever thing Sylvia

Youre a braver person than me lol, I would have definitely fried something.

I was really impressed with how you approached everything

Your just a coward Neil lol

Kim

Originally Posted by Neil Morgan

Cheers,

Neil

Believe me, this experience has made me feel powerful (pun intended). My caution was multi-fold. Apart from the danger of moving something I shouldn't, I too have been zapped... by the power source in my camera flash. Knocked me on my ass, sent a quivering jolt across my chest and down both arms. Now I'm extremely cautious about anything that has power, or that might be reserving power after the power source has been disconnected. I don't go near any household wiring project, regardless of how simple.

And Neil, I think you missed Kim's point... coward Neil... Neil Coward?

Sylvia

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KimW 17 years ago

PPsst, it's Noel Coward
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- Neil Morgan 17 years ago
  
  I can be Noel for today if that would help
  
  Cheers,
  
  Neil/Noel
  Noel/Neil
  
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  sylviad 17 years ago
  
  Oops! I thought it didn't quite look right. LOL!
  
  It's still funny.
  
  Sylvia
  
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Success! :) Computer whizzes, I need to change my battery.

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