Remove battery for ram upgrade?

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Good day

I was in ordering some ram for my Thinkpad today and the dealer (Non thinkpad guy) said I should remove my cmos battery before I install the new ram.

So I thought I would come ask the pros if that is necessary.

I still have not found that battery so if I could do it without learning that little tiudbit I would be very happy

[rkawakami]

I've NEVER removed the CMOS battery when swapping memory modules in and out of my systems and have never had any problems. Just be sure to fully power down the system; i.e., don't put it into standby or hibernate mode.

I'm not sure where the backup battery is for the A31 (even though I use one at work!) and I don't have a copy of the HMM on my system. You can find one here:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-39796

(which I'm going to download as well...)

Well, the backup battery is located inside the MiniPCI bay. That's the panel near the main battery release latch. It seems like you also have to remove the communication daughter card as well.

[gibblr]

That is what I thought too, I have changed ram in notebooks as well and never removed the cmos battery, as the computer store is 85 miles from home I want to check the memory before I leave town, and I don't really wasnt to have to strip the laptop down in the van to check the ram

Thanks for the good news Ray

Chad

[pianowizard]

When in doubt, just follow IBM/Lenovo's Hardware Maintenance Manual. For RAM removal, it tells you to remove the main battery first, but doesn't say anything about the CMOS battery, which implies you don't have to remove it.

[rkawakami]

<snip>... it tells you to remove the main battery first, but doesn't say anything about the CMOS battery <snip>

...which I also do NOT do. Maybe I like living dangerously ! My thought is that as long as the system is not in standby mode (on, with reduced power consumption but RAM still receiving power) or hibernate mode (system fully powered off but next time it's turned on the memory image on disk will not match installed physical memory), it's safe to remove the memory modules. Also keep in mind the static precautions when handling sensitive electronic components (ground yourself before working on the equipment, don't slide around on a plastic or fabric covered chair while working on the system, etc.).

[underclocker]

I generally remove the main battery especially when working under the keyboard. I'd rather not turn the machine on by accident while working within. Fat-fingering the power button is easy while reinstalling the keyboard. It only takes 2 seconds to remove the battery. CMOS battery, never.

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Thanks much guys
Tomorrow is the day for 1 or maybe even 2 gb upgrade for me.

I bought a new desktop system yesterday and get it home and most of the parts do not work, so back they go and I am going to use the ThinkPad for awhile and see how that works


So if there are any Canadians needing a couple PC2100 2.5CL 256mg sticks I will have them tomorrow.
I will probably put them in the for sale forum tomorrrow

This will be an awesome little machine after this ram upgrade.
A burner in here and I cannot think of anything else this would need
I already have a PCMCIA USB 2.0 card as well

Thanks again for the tips

Chad