What Is the Function of the CMOS Battery?

CMOS batteries power code that runs before the operating system is loaded in a computer.Common tasks completed before your
operating system loads are activating the keyboard, loading the system drives and setting the system clock. Because the system
clock is controlled by a CMOS battery, one of the most common methods of identifying CMOS battery problem is noticing that your
computer has a problem maintaining the correct time.

Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor batteries power basic input-output system settings. BIOS settings control things such as
loading your operating system, managing system memory and operating the keyboard. The CMOS is a little bit of RAM that stores all
the BIOS information so that each time the computer restarts or powers on, the computer can remember this information. You can
find out more information about the CMOS and BIOS in their relevant pages.

So you are asking what does the CMOS battery have to do with all of this? Well this battery in the motherboard, is what powers the
CMOS RAM when the computer is turned off. So that it doesn’t lose all your BIOS information.

When the CMOS battery is weak, the BIOS loses data and the computer can start to malfunction. Let's take a look at a few signs of
a CMOS battery failure. Also, the date/time keep getting reset even after you fix them in the BIOS. This is the mostcommon CMOS
battery failure sign

Every action that is completed by the computer before your operating system loads is accomplished by the BIOS. Some functions
controlled by the BIOS include verifying that all the computer hardware is working properly, managing communications between the
computer and its peripherals, such as the printer and monitor, and making sure the system clock and computer drives are working
properly.

Most CMOS batteries are made out of lithium. Lithium batteries, also called CR2032 cell batteries, are similar to the types of
batteries that are found in watches. To replace a CMOS battery, turn off and unplug the computer, remove any cables, and open the
computer case. The CMOS battery is on the computer’s motherboard. Follow the computer manufacturer's directions for removing
the battery.

Other than problems maintaining the correct time, other signs of CMOS battery problems are error messages that appear computer
start-up. Common errors include CMOS checksum errors, CMOS battery failure errors and CMOS read error messages.

CMOS and Battery Backup

The CMOS is a physical part of the motherboard: it is a memory chip that houses setting configurations and is powered by the

onboard battery. The CMOS is reset and loses all custom settings in case the battery runs out of energy, Additionally, the system

clock resets when the CMOS loses power. The CMOS reverts to factory settings if it doesn't get power from the battery. It's a

common practice to remove the battery to flash-back CMOS settings if there is a configuration problem.

CMOS Settings

The CMOS menu is accessed from the BIOS splash screen. You can typically enter it by pressing F1, F2, Del or Esc. The actual button

varies from motherboard to motherboard. The CMOS menu contains the hardware customization options allowed by the

motherboard, uses a simple graphical interface and is controlled by the keyboard. Customization features include memory handling,

expansion port speed configuration, boot device order and power control. Microsoft recommends only adjusting these settings if

you are an advanced user because some improper setting adjustments can render the computer unusable. Some advanced settings

can overpower the system, causing it to produce enough heat to break it.