CMOS Dead on Arrival

Ok my IBM T-21 Thinkpad Laptop was starting to lose time so I assumed it was going to need a new battery (the little yellow one on the bottom) but of course I let it go completely dead and now the thing will not boot. I can get to the bios setup page but the thing acts totally brain dead - inability to recognize the floppy and hard drive.
So now my question is this: If I have wiped out the information stored on the motherboard by carlessly letting the battery go totally dead, what will happen when I replace it with a new one?
How do I get a new set of instructions on the motherboard if it won't recognize anything? Out of warranty and otherwise in excellent condition for a paperweight.

385k Ram
32 gig Travelstar HD
What else do I need to supply or do to get it working again?
Thanks
Bob

 

Unless I'm mistaken, replacing the battery should get you the bios defaults that were installed and shipped from the factory. The bios ROM is a read only chip, except when being flashed, and should contain your original bios.

 

I thought that was what I'd have to do but figured before I waste time I'd ask here.
Would you recommend I just buy the battery from IBM direct for 16 bucks or is there another source someone knows of for these little "yellow pills".

Thanks again.

 

You can probably get battery from anywhere that sell's watch batteries, Walgreens, Radio shack, etc.
Just remove it and bring it with or write down the spec's, maybe cost ya $6 + or -

 

That's a better alternative. Thanks and
I'll give a full report of my Bios restoring antics when they are done.

Bob

 

Agree with ASUS. Make sure you write down everything that appears on your IBM battery. The slightest difference in a code may give you an incompatible battery. If not sure, spring for the one from IBM. $10 difference is nothing when compared to some other battery causing damage. Bazza

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Ok got the exact battery, installed it and now at least it says:
damaged configuration, loading original default. then it says check time and date settings and then that little padlock appears asking for a password. I never had a password on it before and 3 attemps and it locks up. I know I am close but does anyone know how to override the request for a password that was not there since I bought the thing?
all attempts to press F12 for list of boot devices and F1 for bios config utility gets me the same padlock.

 

I have done some research on this, and if you are the original owner and never set a supervisor password in the bios, try "merlin" but do so at your own risk. Thinkpads lock not only the bios, but the harddrives also. Resetting the bios with the wrong password may lock you out of your hard drive. According to what I read, there are special jumpers on the motherboard to reset the system. If you have the owner's manual, these should be shown in it, as well as their location. Hope this helps.

 

Maybe ask IBM for suggestions? Baz

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if you cant find the jumper on your motherboard, try disconnecting all power sources to it (power cable, batteries, even teh one you just bought). and let it sit overnight, because some motherboards can hold in information for a long time. then try putting the battery back in and boot it up, see if it still asks for a password

good luck

 

Yeah I was going to do that before I go unscrewing the case to get to the motherboard. I figure I'll unplug it all and see what happens. The Merlin password did not work but I look at this as a challenge. I will beat this!....lol
Full report from me tomorrow.

Thanks.

 

yes, but just make sure you take out the watch-sized battery on the motherboard too

 

I will do that if they give me the advice for free.
I have the serial number and model for a similar one under warranty so I could call for free advice using that number but I don't want to pay them for their advice unless all efforts fail.
Thanks for your advice and research, I really appreciate it.

I'm going to try the total power deprivation method first and then decide if I want to call IBM or open the box. Sure would be easier if it were a desktop just based on sheer size of the parts and jumpers.
The Titanium composite case makes a nice writing surface for leaning on if the thing is dead, dead.

 

Careful when you call IBM. I'm sure they won't appreciate you pulling their laptop apart whilst "under warranty". Bazza

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The thought crossed my mind but heck - I'll live on the edge....lol or forever have a nice black doorstop in the shape of a ThinkPad.

Bob

 

Bob, write down everything you do and the results of doing it. I'm sure the hardware geeks here can get it going again for you. Let us know. Bazza

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What's funny about all of this is that I have built many a desktop PC for family and friends and I am the "go to" guy whenever they have issues.
This one stumped me because of the BIOS and the password issue so after our barbeque tonight (yes it is freezing here on Long Island but the gas grill works) I am going to unplug all and see what happens overnight.
Thanks

 

Best of luck, FJ. 5th day of summer here. Temps will probably be between 68 and 90 degrees fahrenheit, every day, for the next 3 month's at least. We still "toss a shrimp on the barbie" occasionally, but not often enough, as the best prawns are exported so there are no cheap prawns unless you buy imported from the Phillipines, or somewhere. Not for me, imported prawns, other than OZ ones. But I digress. Let us know how your disassembly goes. Baz

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Ok as of 10 AM Eastern Daylight time I have removed the big and backup battery from my Thinkpad and am going away on business for 3 days. When I return, I'm expecting to have a CMOS is fixed party.....lol

 

OK I am back from a really nice trip to Boston.
I reconnected everything and the friggin laptop still wants a password. I guess I might have to break down and call IBM before they move everyone to China....lol

 

Glad to see that you made it back
Hate that leaving the power off this long didn't correct your problem!