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Raena77: Ooops! I forgot to mention that it is a desktop model.
Narfcake: I will look into the battery model that you mentioned and look into Dell's support page with regard to the BIOS.
Many thanks! I just don't want the system to lock up on me unexpectedly as this is my work computer (privately owned computer, not a company computer).
Get a battery at any computer store, possibly even a Radio Shack. Open your computer, ground yourself, remove power cord from wall, change battery, reverse this sequence. You'll have to set the clock and possibly a few other things, but you'll be back in business quickly.
Very correct, but do you think the OP knows what NVRAM is?
NVRAM = non-volatile random access memory
The battery allows the computer to retain a variety of hardware oriented settings even when the computer is not plugged in.
If the battery is dead - I suggest replacing it when the computer is still plugged in (but turned off). If you unplug the computer and the battery is dead, it may revert to complete defaults - which may require you to go into the SETUP program and update at minimum the time and date.
Are you really advising somebody to change the battery with the computer plugged in? That's not going to keep the CMOS settings.
Many thanks to everyone who responded! Maybe I can change the battery out this weekend (computer unplugged for safety); but first, I will need to find my old system documentation, so I can open up the case without breaking it.
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