The “Alert, System Battery Voltage is Low” error message can be encountered during the boot process of a computer. It signifies that the voltage supplied by the CMOS battery is insufficient to power the system’s basic functions. This error can be attributed to two primary causes:
- Sensing Circuit on the Motherboard: The motherboard’s sensing circuit monitors the battery voltage and triggers the error message when it falls below a certain threshold (typically between 2.7V and 2.9V).
- Battery: The CMOS battery itself may be depleted or malfunctioning, resulting in an inadequate voltage supply.
To resolve this error, follow these steps:
1. Replace CMOS Battery
Replacing the CMOS battery is the most common solution for this issue. Ensure that the replacement battery is a 3-V CR2032 lithium battery. After replacing the battery, perform a power cycle by restarting the computer three times to allow the motherboard to recognize the new battery.
2. Set Up Date and Time in BIOS
Incorrect date and time settings in the BIOS can contribute to the error message. Access the BIOS during boot and navigate to the “Date and Time” settings. Ensure that the correct time zone is selected and manually adjust the time if necessary.
3. Reset/Update CMOS/BIOS
Corrupted BIOS settings can also cause the error. To reset the BIOS, locate the 2-pin CMOS jumper on the motherboard and move it to the “Clear” or “Reset” position for a few seconds. Alternatively, you can update the BIOS to the latest version to resolve any underlying issues.
4. Remove Surge Suppressors
In some cases, surge suppressors can interfere with the power supply to the computer, leading to the error message. Try connecting the computer directly to a wall outlet without using a surge suppressor.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, it is advisable to seek professional assistance from a qualified technician to diagnose and repair any underlying hardware problems.
FAQ
What causes the “Alert, System Battery Voltage is Low” error message?
The error message is triggered when the voltage supplied by the CMOS battery falls below a certain threshold, typically between 2.7V and 2.9V. This can be caused by a faulty sensing circuit on the motherboard or a depleted or malfunctioning CMOS battery.
How can I fix the error message?
To resolve the error message, you can try the following steps:
- Replace the CMOS battery with a new 3-V CR2032 lithium battery.
- Ensure that the date and time settings in the BIOS are correct.
- Reset or update the BIOS to its latest version.
- Try connecting the computer directly to a wall outlet without using a surge suppressor.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, it is advisable to seek professional assistance from a qualified technician.
Why does replacing the CMOS battery often resolve the error message?
The CMOS battery supplies power to the motherboard’s real-time clock and other low-level functions even when the computer is turned off. A depleted or malfunctioning CMOS battery can cause the voltage to drop below the required threshold, triggering the error message. Replacing the battery with a new one restores the voltage supply and resolves the issue.
What are some other potential causes of the error message?
Besides a faulty CMOS battery or sensing circuit, other factors that can contribute to the error message include:
- Loose or disconnected CMOS battery.
- Damaged or corroded battery terminals.
- Issues with the motherboard’s power supply circuitry.
- Faulty or incompatible BIOS settings.
If the error persists after replacing the CMOS battery, it is important to investigate these other potential causes to identify and resolve the underlying issue.