Member Avatar for nuthinman

The backup battery in my HP Pavilion 526x desktop is dead.
I have read through the manual and it states it is there, but not the location.
Does anyone know where it is?, so I can replace it.
I have to leave power to the PC now, so as not to lose date and time.
I only plan to keep the computer through the next year, and then upgrade.
Any help, is much appreciated.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Waffles007

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Quick, practical follow‑up based on the thread: correctly named the part and ’s workaround (leaving the tower powered) will keep the clock but isn’t ideal long‑term. HP’s service documentation for Pavilion desktops shows the motherboard battery is a standard 3V coin cell (CR2032) and that it’s a user‑replaceable item in their upgrade/service guides. (manualshelf.com)

Steps to replace safely (work left to right):

  1. Power down, unplug the PC, then press and hold the front power button 10–15 seconds to discharge standby power. Ground yourself (anti‑static strap or touch unpainted metal) before touching components. (dell.com)
  2. Remove the side panel and inspect the motherboard along the edges and near drive/PCI areas — some boards use a simple coin‑holder, others use a small cable/connector or (rarely) a soldered cell. Note orientation before removal. Use a plastic spudger or fingernail to lift the cell; avoid metal prying. (ifixit.com)
  3. Check the old cell with a multimeter (should read ~3.0 V fresh). Replace with the same type (CR2032) and reassemble. Dispose of the old lithium cell per local regulations. (digchip.com)

After replacement: enter BIOS, set the date/time and reapply any custom BIOS settings you had (removing the battery clears CMOS). Windows can resync time afterward, but the BIOS clock must be correct at boot. If the board uses a connector or a soldered cell, or if BIOS settings won’t stick after a new battery, stop and get professional help. (pubs.lenovo.com)

If keeping the PC powered a short time is the only option, a small UPS or doing the replacement promptly is safer than running a machine continuously. The CR2032 is inexpensive and widely available; replacing it now avoids headaches later. (manualshelf.com)

Member Avatar for Waffles007

Hi,

The Backup Battery they are talking about is called a CMOS Battery and is located on the motherboard either behind one of the panels that can be removed on the bottom of your laptop or hidden inside the laptop where only a technician who knows how to disassemble the laptop can reach to replace it.

Try checking under the panels if you haven't already. If it's not there, I'd recommend finding a reliable Tech Center and inform them your CMOS Battery is dead

The CMOS Battery's primary function is to save BIOS Configurations and power your on-board clock.

Hope this helps.
Waffles

Member Avatar for nuthinman

Thanks Waffles,
I can find it on my own, just needed to know where to look.
Thank you for informing me of the correct term, CMOS.
This is a desktop btw.
Exactly, the Bios Configs and the time and date are what changes if I power down.
So far I have been leaving the CPU powered all the time.
I power it down, and open the body of the tower and see if I can locate it.

Member Avatar for nuthinman

Edit: I will power it down

Member Avatar for Waffles007

No problem,

My bad I answered a couple laptop questions and I was fixated on them, sorry.

If it's a desktop, then it should be a silver circular watch battery on the motherboard generally in the bottom right portion of the board.

You can pick up a new battery pretty much anywhere. It doesn't have to be the same brand.

Waffles

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