What is the internal CR 2032 battery for?

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Level 1

5 points

What is the internal CR 2032 battery for?

Early 2008 Power Mac.

I read another post that it helps the computer "remember" where the boot drive or hard drive is for startup. Is that correct?

I get the flashing folder with a question mark on startup and have tried starting up from the installation disc, ran Disk Warrior, ran Apple Hardware Test, connecting to another computer to see if the tower is "recognized" as an external drive and nothing...

Just wondering if the internal battery replacement is worth a shot.

Thanks!

Posted on Feb 20, 2015 7:45 AM

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Answer 1

lllaass

Level 10

210,417 points

Feb 20, 2015 7:54 AM in response to PGCvideo

Likely because of the age of your Mac. I would change it and see if it resolve the problem after trying a SMC and NVRAM reset

Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)

About NVRAM and PRAM

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Answer 2

PGCvideo Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 20, 2015 9:54 AM in response to lllaass

Thanks again for your help 🙂 I will try this and post with results.

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Answer 3

The hatter

Level 9

60,990 points

Feb 20, 2015 10:09 AM in response to PGCvideo

And if you un-select the boot volume and reselect?

What if your backup system clones? any on USB or Firewire?

My guess is not the battery (I am on original on a 8.5 yr old 1,1) but that Nvram is messed up which does happen due to a mix of faulty USB Apple kb or mouse and / or PCIe cards - and all such cards and devices need to be removed and unplugged to "clear things up.,"

Sometimes moving the drive sled to another drive bay or sled.

Do the two resets with nothing no boot drive present - just slide it out 50%.

And try using another PC keyboard and mouse, one that lacks any NVRAM or firmware actually.

Leaving Apple keyboard out for a week or two can 'bring it back' and let you continue to use it.

Don't ignore any USB device or cable or extension.

The nice part is that a decent keyboard and mouse and even extension cost under $25 for all three.

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Wired-Keyboard-Business-White/dp/B004SUIMGW/ ~ $11

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Comfort-Mouse-4500-Blue/dp/B003BEDPHW/ - grey $13

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Answer 4

DonH49

Level 6

16,704 points

Feb 20, 2015 10:48 AM in response to PGCvideo

its not. pram things like some system preferences, black screen at startup, printing problems but not what you mentioned.

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Answer 5

PGCvideo Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 20, 2015 12:29 PM in response to PGCvideo

Replacing the battery didn't help the computer. I will see if we are allowed to purchase a new internal hard drive and go from there...

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Answer 6

Feb 20, 2015 6:01 PM in response to PGCvideo

I get the flashing folder with a question mark on startup

That indicates your Mac could not find a working useable Boot drive at the specified location. It is very likely the drive has a problem.

have tried starting up from the installation disc

If you can boot from the Installation DVD, your Mac is working just fine (except for the hard drive).

Answer only the "what language" question and wait -- DO NOT (Continue) down the path toward installing, or you will have to start over. Wait a quarter minute for the MenuBar to be drawn. Choose Disk Utility from one of the Menus.

¿Is your Hard Drive showing up?

¿Is its SMART Status "Verified"?

¿does it have a Macintosh HD Volume?

¿ can you select that Volume and (Repair Disk)?

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