Solving the CMOS checksum error

If when you start your computer you see any of these messages:

CMOS checksum error - Defaults loaded
CMOS Battery Low
CMOS Battery State Low
CMOS Date/Time Not Set
CMOS Checksum Bad

And you have to manually set the clock on each reboot, changes are that your battery ran out.

Here are the steps to follow to solve the problem:

1. Turn off your computer, make sure the cables are unplugged.
2. Check if the battery is a removable one (some motheboards have it soldered).
3. If it's removable, buy a CR2032 one.
(If you are curious, "C" indicates the electrochemical system used, in this case Lithium (manganese dioxide), the "R" is for round, 20mm diameter and 3.2mm height).
4. Before replacing the battery, start your computer and enter the BIOS setup (usually by pressing DEL, F1 or F8), if the settings are still there, take note of them (they might be already gone, if the battery is depleted).
5. Open the computer case (remember to have it turned off),
to avoid any problem if you touch other component, use an anti-static wrist wrap.
Locate the battery, and gently replace it.
6. Restart your computer, enter the BIOS setup and set the right time and date, and any BIOS settings you saved.
7. Save the settings and reboot.

Remember to dispose the old battery on some local recycling center (take care of the environment).

And this is for your information only, do it at your own risk.


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