CMOS battery problem - incorrect date and time

[DotMatrix]

I recently replaced my CMOS battery approximately 3 weeks due to corrosion. My system is a 486 DX66, 32mg RAM, running under Windows 95. The battery that I replaced was a 3.6 volt, 60mAh NiCd 2-pin connector. The replacement went smoothly except for the fact that the date and time do not automatically update whenever I turn the machine on after having it off for either a several hours or a few days. I have to readjust both each time I turn it on. : ( Has anyone else encountered this problem and is there a solution for it outside of replacing the motherboard or purchasing a new system (of which I can't afford at the time)? All assistance is welcomed.

[Paleo Pete]

Corrosion is the key word. The corrosion already on the motherboard is probably interfering with the current from the new battery and the clock is going flaky. In time it will start losing CMOS settings too, or other problems will crop up. I had one that would work perfect for a day or 2 to a week, then suddenly go weird, same thing, 486 with battery corrosion. I think you'll probably have to replace the motherboard.

486 boards are cheap, CSO (http://www.computersurplusoutlet.com) usually has them for under $20, and with shipping it shouldn't be over $25.
Pricewatch (http://www.pricewatch.com) might be worth checking out too.

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Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[mjc]

You may try cleaning the contacts with a pencil eraser but I think that much more istn't worth the hassle when you can get a board so cheap.

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mjc
To ME or NOT to ME....

[Reid]

Originally posted by DotMatrix:
the date and time do not automatically update whenever I turn the machine on after having it off for either a several hours or a few days.

It sounds to me like the new battery is not charging up properly. It may be defective or the motherboard is not bringing the initial charge up quickly enough. Modern boards use lithium batteries and don't need charging, but a NiCd can take a long time to get its initial charge. You may need to try leaving the computer on overnight and see if that will charge it up.


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reido@my-deja.com

Friends don't let friends install Windows ME

[Paleo Pete]

Good call Reid, I should have thought of that, been through it before...

------------------
Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[DotMatrix]

Originally posted by Reid:
It sounds to me like the new battery is not charging up properly. It may be defective or the motherboard is not bringing the initial charge up quickly enough. Modern boards use lithium batteries and don't need charging, but a NiCd can take a long time to get its initial charge. You may need to try leaving the computer on overnight and see if that will charge it up.


Thanks for the tip. Will try that to see if it works.

P.S.- love your statement re: Windows ME!

[DotMatrix]

Originally posted by Paleo Pete:
Corrosion is the key word. The corrosion already on the motherboard is probably interfering with the current from the new battery and the clock is going flaky. In time it will start losing CMOS settings too, or other problems will crop up. I had one that would work perfect for a day or 2 to a week, then suddenly go weird, same thing, 486 with battery corrosion. I think you'll probably have to replace the motherboard.

486 boards are cheap, CSO (http://www.computersurplusoutlet.com) usually has them for under $20, and with shipping it shouldn't be over $25.
Pricewatch (http://www.pricewatch.com) might be worth checking out too.



Thanks for the information. I've considered replacing the board since I like my case which will only fit an AT motherboard. But if I'm going to upgrade, I might as well upgrade to an ATX motherboard and case. I will check those other sites out for future reference.