Dell forum: Dell Inspiron 531 CMOS Battery Failed Error

Hi Manpreet

Thanks, did as you suggested and unfortunately it didn't work. Still coming up with 'CMOS battery failed' message and request to click F1 to boot or F2 for system set-up. I checked the manual you sent me just in case it had anything different from the one I have but it's just the same. It says to go to the Maintenance Section in the system setup and clear the errors in the Event Log but there's is no Maintenence Section or Event Log. Back to the drawing board...thanks anyway.

Regards
Susan

Thank you for the response.
Apologies for the error in Owner's Manual.

Follow these steps to reset the CMOS jumpers:
Note: The computer must be disconnected from the electrical outlet to clear the CMOS settings. Disconnect any attached peripherals (keyboard, mouse, printer, Ethernet cable, USB flash drives and the power cord). Press and hold the power button for 15-20 seconds.

1. Remove the computer cover.
2. Locate the 3-pin CMOS jumper (CLEAR CMOS) on the system board as shown in the image.
3. Remove the jumper plug from the CMOS jumper (CLEAR CMOS) pins 2 and 3.
4. Place the jumper plug on the CMOS jumper (CLEAR CMOS) pins 1 and 2, and then wait approximately 5 seconds.
5. Remove the jumper plug and replace it on the CMOS jumper (CLEAR CMOS) pins 2 and 3.
6. Ensure that the battery connector contacts are not corroded or dirty.
6. Replace the computer cover.Connect the computer and devices to electrical outlets (To connect a Ethernet cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the computer) and turn on the computer.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and Regards,
Manpreet C

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Hi Bob

Thanks. Yes, saved and exited correctly, had to reset system date and time as it was miles behind, and as mentioned above system time and date are now correct so there can't be a problem with the battery or the seating.

Susan