How to replace the CMOS battery on an NVR

Refer to this article to familiarize with the ProConnect NVR's boot-up sequence.

Eventually, a CMOS battery will stop working.  If the CMOS battery dies, the NVR's Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) settings will be lost when the unit is powered down. You will most likely have to reset the time and date when you start the unit up. Sometimes the loss of settings can prevent the unit loading the operating system.  Disconnecting and then reconnecting the CMOS battery, you remove the source of power that saves your unit's BIOS settings, resetting them to default.

The battery, also referred to as a motherboard, CMOS, real-time clock [RTC], or clock battery, is generally a CR2032 lithium coin cell.  Always replace the battery with the same version.


CMOS batteries can be in either a flat case or upright case on the motherboard of the unit. Here are three examples of what the Battery case can look like:

 


Replacing a CMOS battery

Pro tip:  Perform a CMOS battery replacement only if you can safely do so.  


With technical know-how, and taking responsibility for changing factory-installed internal components, the following DIY precautions and additional or unique local safety requirements must be applied at all times:

  • Caution: Do not replace the ProConnect CMOS without prior consultation with AvertX Technical Support.
  • Caution: Swapping or adding third-party equipment is a product alteration not covered by the product warranty and may limit support.
  • Caution: Not properly shutting down the recorder through the software could cause hardware damage.
  • Caution: Electrostatic discharge damage or faulty installations are not covered by the warranty.
  • Caution: Anti-static and electroshock safety precautions (i.e. properly grounded, anti-electrostatic wristbands, etc...) must be continually observed.


1.  Before reseating/replacing the CMOS battery, always power the unit Off.

2.  Use a CMOS removal tool or your fingers to grab the edge of the battery and pull it up and out of the socket holding it in place. 

Some motherboards have a clip holding the battery down. If your unit's motherboard has this clip, you may need to use one hand to move the clip up and the other hand to pull the battery out. Each case type will have a simple release so the battery can be removed easily. Do not try to force it. If you do not press or hold the release latch, the battery will not come out properly and could damage the case.

3.  Before inserting the replacement battery, note that they are polarized. Make sure the Negative side is properly orientated as the original.  Pro tip:  The negative side is always the one without writing on it.

4.  After reseating/replacing the battery, ensure there are no tools or or loose items in the NVR before powering the unit back up. 

5.  At the initial boot up, the date/time and other BIOS settings will need to be configured. Please keep in mind you will be prompted for a password when accessing the BIOs, and will need to contact Technical Support for this password.

6.  Once the settings are configured, Save/Exit from the BIOS and the unit should power up normally.