How to Install a CMOS Battery in a Gateway Laptop
The CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) battery is what keeps certain basic functions on your Gateway laptop saved while your computer is turned off. If you find that your laptop loses its clock settings every time you power it down, chances are that the CMOS battery needs to be replaced. If you don't want to take your computer to a technician, it is possible to do it yourself. However, the CMOS battery is located on the motherboard inside your computer and will take some work to replace.
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Instructions
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1
Turn off the laptop and remove the AC adapter. Remove the battery from its compartment on the bottom of the computer. Turn the laptop over and remove the screws holding the DVD drive in place and pull out the DVD drive.
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2
Remove the remaining screws on the bottom of the computer. These screws secure the wireless card cover, the memory card cover and the modem card cover. Then remove all of the plastic covers. Remove the wireless card by sliding it gently out.
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3
Remove the corner screws on the bottom of the laptop securing the bottom housing. Remove the housing by pulling it away from the laptop. Remove any remaining, exposed screws on the bottom of the computer.
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4
Turn the laptop over and remove the thin plastic strip that runs along the border of the keyboard with your fingernails. If your fingernails aren't long enough, a plastic card will work as well.
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5
Remove the two screws on either side of the keyboard securing it to the computer. Remove the keyboard.
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6
Remove all of the exposed screws where the keyboard used to sit. These screws secure the top housing to the computer. Remove the housing, exposing the motherboard.
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Locate the CMOS battery. It is a small battery about the size and shape of a coin and should be easily visible on the board. Depending on the model of Gateway you are working on, the CMOS battery will either be secured with a clip or connected to the board by two small cables. Either way, they are easily removable.
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Disconnect the battery by pulling gently away from the cables or by popping the clip out. Remove the CMOS battery and replace it with the new one (available at any electronics store or online). Reassemble your computer in the reverse order you took it apart.
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