Today we're talking about the buffer battery: a small component of our computers that often goes unnoticed and which, at times, can be the cause of even serious problems and malfunctions.
That's right! Despite its small size, the buffer battery plays a fundamental role in our devices and it is right to learn about its functions and characteristics so as to be able to understand when it is time to replace it.
In this article we will explain what the backup battery is, how it works and what its importance is inside the computer. Finally, we also explain how and when to replace it.
What is the backup battery and what is it for
On all desktop and laptop motherboards there is always a small round battery that looks like a button. Well, that's right there backup battery.
Don't be fooled by its small size; it is an important component for the proper functioning of our devices. The buffer battery, in fact, is used to memorize information relating to the BIOS configuration when there is a power failure.
When is it time to change it?
First of all, the average life of a buffer battery must be taken into consideration. On average, this component lasts 4 to 5 years, then it needs to be replaced. But how do we know that the time has come?
Have you ever turned on your computer and realized that the date and time are completely wrong? Here, when it happens it is not the fault of the operating system or a virus, but it is a clear sign that the time has come to change the backup battery.
Windows, in fact, shows the time that is stored in your device's memory which, as you may have already guessed, is stored in the BIOS. If the buffer battery has run out, the clock is reset to midnight on January XNUMXst years ago.
This, however, is the least serious sign. When you lose your BIOS setup, once you log in your PC, you may see black screens, error messages, or other errors that prevent you from logging in to your computer.
How to change the backup battery
Contrary to when we have to look for it in other systems, such as those of a burglar alarm or even of a robotAlthough small in size, the backup battery is easy to find inside computers because it is always positioned above the motherboard. Before opening the device, however, remember to turn it off and unplug it. Safety first!
Unfortunately, every computer manufacturer uses their own pattern for placing components within their products. The only way to get to the backup battery is to try and find the motherboard with the small metal circle installed on it.
Once found, replace the existing battery with the old one. Put each moved component in its place, close the case or base of the PC and access the BIOS settings. To enter this mode, it is usually sufficient to start the computer and, at the first screen, press the F1 key on the keyboard.
After accessing the BIOS, you will have to move with the "Enter" key and the arrow keys on the keyboard (in BIOS mode the mouse does not work) to find and select the "Restore defaults" item. Keep in mind that, sometimes, the "Enter" key is not enough. In some cases it may be necessary to press the F10 key on the keyboard to save the changes and finally restart the computer.
This procedure will allow you to replace the backup battery and, subsequently, to reset automatically BIOS default values. This way, your computer will work properly again: the correct time will be displayed and no annoying error messages will be shown during startup.