It has been a while since I have kept a four-year-old motherboard without
upgrading, but, that said, my memory from the past suggests that about three
years was a decent life for a battery.

If it is one of the standard batteries, you can get one at WalMart or a
computer store for about two dollars.  I would replace it just as a
maintenance item.  Then, if the clock still ran fast, at least I would know
that it was not the battery.

Be warned:  if you replace the battery you will likely lose all your cmos
settings.  Make sure that you know how to enter the cmos settings screens
and that you have your manual ready to help you set them.

Dean Kukral


----- Original Message -----
From: Lynn Kucera
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 11:22 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] Battery Life


Listers,

Just today I've noticed that my clock on my Gateway 2000 is running fast. My
question is - this a sign that the battery needs to be replaced. I've had
this computer since 2000 and I've never had any problems nor have I changed
to upgraded since I purchased it.
Thanks,
Lynn Kucera

Gateway Performance 1400
Pentium 4
40 Gig hard drive
Internet Explorer 6 sp2

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