How to Change the CMOS Battery in a Dell Inspiron 7000

All computer systems use a special device called the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) battery to store information while the system is powered off. When you turn on your computer, the information from the CMOS battery is loaded into memory. If the CMOS battery dies, your system may behave erratically or not power on at all. To replace the CMOS battery on your Dell Inspiron 7000 laptop, you will need to first remove several other parts that prevent you from reaching the CMOS unit.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Replacement CMOS battery

1. Power down the Dell Inspiron 700 laptop and unplug the power cable. Close the screen lid and flip the laptop over.

2. Press the battery release button down and slide it to the right. Pull the battery unit completely out of the Inspiron 7000 case. Pull out any expansion cards that are connected to the card slots at the right side of the case.

3. Remove the two screws at the bottom of the case with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull of the plastic cover held in place by the screws. Pull the hard drive out of the laptop case and set it aside.

4. Remove the four screws at the top of the case that connect to the keyboard. Turn the Inspiron 7000 back over and open up the screen. Slide the edge of a flat-head screwdriver underneath the right side of the keyboard.

5. Move the screwdriver gently up and down to disengage the plastic keyboard locks. Lift the keyboard upward until you can see the ribbon cable running to a port on the motherboard. Pull the ribbon cable's connector off the motherboard port.

6. Set the keyboard and its ribbon cable aside. Remove the screws holding the metal thermal shield in place. Lift the shield upward and set it outside the case.

7. Locate the silver CMOS battery near the bottom edge of the motherboard. Pull the battery off the motherboard port. Set the new battery in its place.

8. Reassemble the Dell Inspiron 7000 by reversing the steps above and power it back on.

Tips & Warnings

• A replacement CMOS battery for your Dell Inspiron 7000 laptop can be acquired either directly from Dell or through an online computer parts retailer. The Dell Inspiron 7000 will automatically warn you when the CMOS battery needs to be replaced. When you power up the laptop, a message will appear on the screen saying "CMOS Battery is dead - Replace" before the operating system loads.
• Before removing any parts from the Inspiron 7000, ground yourself to prevent the laptop's components from being damaged. Grounding yourself is simple: Just touch a metal object connected directly to the floor to release the static electricity in your body.

References

• Dell Inspiron 7000 Product Support

Resources

• Official Dell Technical Support Page