Optiplex 5050 SFF CMOS Battery Replacement

Question

Hi guys, I'm having a bit of issue working out how I replace the CMOS battery, it seems almost protected from removal? Any ideas?

slipd · Answer

This. It was so not easy though, by far the hardest cmos battery removal I've ever experienced in 27 years of working with IT... I've changed the battery though and all is good.

Mary G · Answer

Directions are in the manual-- OptiPlex 5050 Small Form Factor Owner's Manual (dell.com)

slipd · Answer

Thanks! Yep, checked but the manual depicts a regular battery slot, one with a quick release metal tab. My OptiPlex, if you look closely at my pic, seems to almost have a cover preventing you from releasing the battery...

DELL-Cares · Answer

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bradthetechnut · Answer

I can't tell if tab on right is a release tab or not. It almost looks like somebody tried prying out with a screwdriver in the wrong spot and broke part of the housing.

I'd try carefully prying it out with a standard jewelry/precision screwdriver, but not where the housing is at full height.

Capture+_2022-03-18-20-37-30.png

If you had the tab as depicted in the manual, I just use a precision screwdriver against the tab and it pops right out.

slipd · Answer

Hmm, I can get a better picture but on closer inspection, there doesn't appear to be any damage? It's almost as if a special tool is required?

bradthetechnut · Answer

No such luck.  I looked at manuals for yours and other 5000 series and they all showed the same battery holder.

bradthetechnut · Answer

This is the screwdriver I would try first. Precision set of screwdrivers I got from Menard's many years ago.

A couple of things to be careful about. If you pry the battery, only touch the side of it. If you touch both side and top of it with a screwdriver, it'll short. (Top faces MB.) Or cover screwdriver with Scotch tape.

In your photo, on the very right of the battery, the tab almost looks like a flexible release tab. May be gently see if it'll move with just the screwdriver and then get the battery out that way.

I do wish Dell would've documented that better. If I looked for the correct documentation, I probably wouldn't find it except to accidentally run into it when I'm not looking. : )> I'm still going to look anyway.

bradthetechnut · Answer

Glad you found that speedstep post and were able to get it.  : )

Optiplex Desktops

Optiplex 5050 SFF CMOS Battery Replacement

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