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159925
April 5th, 2013 23:00
M14x RTC/CMOS battery failure
I have an m14x which is out of warranty. Recently the laptop started beeping on startup - 5 beeps in a series. I know it is a CMOS battery failure. I called up Dell customer care and reported the issue. The executive confirmed that it is a CMOS battery failure. But next was the shocker - I was told that this would need a motherboard replacement as the CMOS battery cannot be replaced standalone. I haven't ripped the laptop yet to check it myself, but am not going to replace my motherboard without knowing fully that there is no other choice. Its an expensive deal! Can someone who has done this or faced this on an M14x please advise me. I am fairly technical guy and am comfortable opening up my laptop and doing the basic stuff myself.
demonashes
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April 6th, 2013 06:00
It was a coin-cell battery. Cost less than $1. I ripped apart the laptop, bought a CR2032 and soldered the wire with the clip. Replaced the CMOS battery and my laptop is working fine again. I'm astounded Dell is resorting to this level to fleece the unaware/non-tech customer. A $200 bill for something less than $1!
Tesla1856
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April 6th, 2013 00:00
Coin-Cell Battery is not soldered in ... it just plugs in.
See m14x (R1) Service Manual
http://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_alienware_laptops/alienware-m14x_service%20manual_en-us.pdf
Edit: I've never opened this model ... just going by Service Manual.