CMOS Battery
The CMOS battery in a computer maintains power even when the computer is off so that the system can save the configuration of the motherboard and other important components of the system. If it goes out, it should be changed immediately. In laptops, the CMOS battery can be located in a multitude of places, from the memory module compartment to an area on the motherboard. On the Dell Latitude CPX laptop, the CMOS battery can be found underneath the palm rest secured by a foam-padded bracket. The replacement takes awhile to do, but it's not an impossible job.
Instructions
1. Back up the important files and documents on the computer to a removable media device and shut down the system.
2. Remove the power cord and all the devices that are connected to the system.
3. Turn the computer over and remove the battery from the bay.
4. Extract the seven keyboard screws in the computer base, which are labeled with a "K."
5. Turn the computer over and open the display.
6. Locate the blank key on the right side of the Spacebar row. Insert a flat-head screwdriver underneath it and pry it up.
7. Flip the keyboard over the left side of the computer and disconnect the flat cables that go into the motherboard. Remove the keyboard from the computer.
8. Close the display and turn the computer so that the back is facing toward you.
9. Extract the three display screws, which are labeled with a "D."
10. Turn the computer around so that the front is facing you. Open the display.
11. Disconnect the flat display cable from the motherboard.
12. Remove the display from the computer by lifting it straight up.
13. Turn the computer over and extract the five palm rest screws in the base, which are labeled with a "P."
14. Turn over the computer and disconnect the palm rest cable, which runs into the motherboard directly above the trackpad buttons.
15. Lift the palm rest off the computer and turn it upside-down.
16. Locate the palm rest bracket and extract the two screws from it. Take the bracket off the palm rest and turn it over, but be careful because the touchpad cable is still connected to it. You don't want to break or twist the cable.
17.Disconnect the CMOS battery cable from the inside of the bracket and remove the battery and the foam it's stuck to from the bracket.
18. Connect the cable on the new CMOS battery and place the battery inside its space in the bracket.
19. Turn the bracket over and attach it to the palm rest.
20. Assemble the computer by following this procedure in reverse.
Tags: palm rest, CMOS battery, computer over, labeled with, labeled with Turn