Replace the CMOS Battery on a Dell Dimension
All computers have a CMOS chip, sometimes referred to as an RTC chip. This is a battery-operated chip that stores basic information instrumental to your computer's operation, like the date and time. If your CMOS dies, your time and date settings will reset each time you turn off your computer. Since the chip is attached directly to the motherboard, you have to partially dismantle your computer to access it.
Instructions
1. Shut down your computer. Disconnect the power cable and any external devices from your Dimension's power and data ports. Wait 10 to 20 minutes before attempting to dismantle your computer. Attach an antistatic strap to your wrist and its extending wire clip to the computer's outer casing.
2. Position the computer tower with the back panel facing you. Place the computer on its left side. Press on the side panel release buttons situated on the top and bottom panels. Grasp the right access panel and rotate it upward and away from the computer so the internal contents are accessible.
3. Grasp the old CMOS battery and pull it out of its compartment. The coin-cell CMOS battery compartment is near the memory slots on the motherboard. The memory slots are in the bottom right corner of the motherboard. Place the new battery inside the empty battery compartment until it is firmly secured.
4. Grasp the side access panel and pull it downward over the computer's opening. Press down on the side panel until the release buttons snap the panel into place.
5. Place the computer tower vertically and reconnect all cables and devices.
Tags: your computer, access panel, battery compartment, Battery Dell, Battery Dell Dimension, computer tower, Dell Dimension