Replacing CMOS battery

The VCR King

Well-Known Member
My CMOS battery is dead and every time my PC crashes or reboots it loses system time and I have to reset the boot order. Can I change the CMOS battery while the PC is running on-the-fly or should I power it down then pop out the battery and then redo my CMOS settings and boot it?
 

beers

Moderator
Staff member
It shouldn't matter, however since you aren't widely known for your expertise I'd take every precautionary measure possible.
 

Geoff

VIP Member
Since you need to have the PC open and likely moving cables and components to reach the CMOS battery, definitely turn it off. Best case the computer is fine but you cut yourself by the spinning fan blades.
 

The VCR King

Well-Known Member
Since you need to have the PC open and likely moving cables and components to reach the CMOS battery, definitely turn it off. Best case the computer is fine but you cut yourself by the spinning fan blades.
Actually there is nothing blocking the CMOS battery at all. My second GPU died so I have a whole unused space in my PC and I can see the entire battery from where I'm sitting.

Will replacing the CMOS battery make me have to re-enter all my settings or since the PC is plugged in will it remember that way?
 

voyagerfan99

Master of Turning Things Off and Back On Again
Staff member
Actually there is nothing blocking the CMOS battery at all. My second GPU died so I have a whole unused space in my PC and I can see the entire battery from where I'm sitting.
Still, with your luck you're better off shutting down the PC.
Will replacing the CMOS battery make me have to re-enter all my settings or since the PC is plugged in will it remember that way?
Since we're telling you to turn off the PC and unplug the power, yes.
 
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