Setting Date/time On Laptop

[sddsddean]

My Advent laptop has stopped remembering the date/time, so that every time I start it up it comes up with an error page and I have to reset the time (it keeps going back to Apr 2008!). I'm sure there must be an easy fix and it always used to be OK. Any ideas? Its on Windows 7 if that makes a difference.

[VHG]

You may need to put in a new small battery.

This is not the main laptop battery but a small battery about the size of a 10 pence piece.

There should be a small cover to remove to give you access to the battery.

[Gizmonster]

Yea it def sounds like the battery ... and not the main one as VHG explained :)

[Alston]

It's my guess that the clock is reverting to 2008 because that could have been the year your laptop was bought as new.

I feel sure VHG is right and a replacement battery is now required. No doubt it will be a CR2032 lithium coin cell, which is far from being an expensive item. :-

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If I'd known what model Advent was involved I may have been able to establish the procedure for replacing the battery.

Al.

[sddsddean]

Thanks. I didn't even know it had a 'clock' battery!!, but I know the sort of battery you mean. Why don't they give you instruction books anymore!? I think its an Advent 5711. It comes up with
Error 0271 : Check date and time settings
Error 0251 : System CMOS checksum bad - Default configuration used

[Alston]

Did you have a CD with the laptop, because I think the actual 'Users Manual' is recorded onto it. In fact you may even find that you have the manual listed amongst your programme files/folders. Click your Start button and have a look through the displayed items.

My concern is that you are able to get at the coin cell battery quite easily without causing any damage whatsoever to your laptop.

Al.

[sddsddean]

Thanks Al. I'll have a look tomorrow. I looked on youtube at a generic changing of the battery and it seems quite easy, but I googled Advent and it took me straight to Knowhow (who do all the pc stuff for PC world). I asked them if it was a CR2032 and where it is and they have sent a vague e mail back saying it 'might' need soldering...it 'may' be hard to access(ie they won't say), but bring it to us and we'll do it....for £50 +parts!!

[Alston]

Forget PC World. Coin cell batteries Do Not need soldering and £50 to change one is outrageous. If you are doubtful about opening-up and looking inside the computer case, I feel sure you must be able to find a member of your family who would know what to do quite safely. If I had doubts about what to do, I would ask neighbours of mine to send around one of their teenagers to help me out.....Now that could be a fiver well spent by way of good PR with neighbours.

Al.

[sddsddean]

No, I'm quite happy to have a look Al...I was just mentioning PCW's money grabbing atitude! Haven't had a chance to look today and I'm working tonight, so tomorrow will be the big day!

[WyeDyed]

Try resetting the time and date in the BIOS first. If it reverts back to 2008 after a reboot then change the battery.
It looks as if you have checked the the battery is changeable without soldering it (as some are)
Good luck!

[sddsddean]

Popped the cover off this morning and it is a CR2032, so I'll order one of them and change it in a day or two. Thanks for the help.

[Alston]

I felt sure it would be a CR2032, which just presses into position and is easily 'sprung-out' with the aid of a small screwdriver or the end of a straightened paper-clip.

Please up-date us when you have replaced battery.

Al.

[sddsddean]

All done, no problems. Thanks all.