Member Avatar for Vaxen

My Gateway Solo 2150 has a problem which I've concluded is a dead CMOS battery. When it boots after being without power, it shows the date and time as being midnight 1/1/2000.

Supposing that I do need to replace the CMOS battery, does anyone know
how to open up this laptop to access it?

Thanks.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by gil vitek

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A few short, practical points to complement the replies here: and report success finding the RTC/CMOS cell beneath the keyboard on Solo 2150 machines, while ’s Solo 2550 behaved differently. The two things to take away are (1) the CMOS location can vary by exact model/revision, and (2) careful identification and handling are what make the job painless. The checklist below helps cover the most common pitfalls.

  • Tools and prep: small Phillips, plastic spudger, tweezers, a container for screws, and a multimeter. Photograph each step and every cable orientation before you unplug anything. Touch a grounded metal object occasionally to reduce static.
  • Identify the battery: look for either a coin cell in a holder (nominal ~3.0 V when fresh) or a small wrapped battery pack with two wires and a tiny connector. Measure the old part if unsure and note the polarity/connector orientation.
  • Removal tips: don’t yank ribbon cables or connectors—release ZIF latches or tiny clips first. If the RTC cell is soldered, do not cut wires without noting polarity; either order the exact replacement harness or have a skilled solderer swap it to avoid damage.

After fitting the new battery, enter BIOS at first boot, set date/time, save and power-cycle to confirm settings persist. If the clock still resets, recheck the new cell’s voltage, the connector seating, and any broken solder pads or power-rail issues; persistent failure can indicate motherboard/RTC circuitry problems rather than the battery itself.

If the cell truly can’t be found after removing the keyboard or obvious covers, consult the Solo 2150/2550 service manual or a parts diagram for that chassis revision before removing more components. Dispose of used cells responsibly.

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Member Avatar for djrivera1

Try locating three screws that hold the keyboard in place turn laptop over left keyboard out be gentle not to rip ribbion cable out and sure see batterie somewhere in the middle, if not remove all screws and take out lcd display then remove top part and located batterie, Hope this help.

Member Avatar for Vaxen

Thank you. Following your directions did allow me to lift the keyboard and replace the battery. However, I found that the screws on the underside have nothing to do with holding the keyboard. The keyboard is only held in place by its plastic backing plate snap under tabs in the front (by the space-bar etc.). Your directions to lift it from the front did the trick.

Member Avatar for kinwms

I'm a member, and this information was very pertinent because I was able to locate the CMOS battery and change it. The CMOS battery is located under the key board, near the center of the computer. Your statement to pry with a small screwdriver or knife in the front of the key board near the space bar GENTLY did work. GREAT information. Thanks!

Member Avatar for gil vitek

I have a Gateway Solow model 2550, and the CMOS batery is nowhere under the keyboard. I followed the instructions given here, and no CMOS batery can be found under the keyboard. By the way, four screws across the back edge, one on each side of the two hinges, after removed, allows the cover plate just above the keyboard to lift off, so four other screws can be removed to let the keyboard be removed, gently. Where else should I look?

Edited by Ezzaral because: Snipped email. Please keep it on site.
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