HELP with laptop issues

[WheezyCarl]

New laptop will not keep correct time or date. I've set & reset numerous times and still...defaults to the time of my last ended session. I've synced, un-synced, googled-to no avail. It's frustrating. I've read that it could be a battery on or near the motherboard. Guess my question is, is this just an inconvenience or will the problem lead to bigger issues in the future?
Also, If I do return the item, will a factory reset clean the slate of all my accounts and passwords? UGH.
Thanks in advance

 

[stgislander]

CMOS battery is my first guess.

 

[WheezyCarl]

CMOS battery is my first guess.

Thanks, how do I erase (?) my passwords and account info before returning item?

 

[kom526]

Thanks, how do I erase (?) my passwords and account info before returning item?

Pretty easy to replace.

How to Replace the CMOS Battery

Information about why time may be lost or decreasing rapidly and how to replace your computer cmos battery.

www.computerhope.com

How to Replace a laptop CMOS battery

In this video, we learn how to replace a laptop CMOS battery. First, turn the laptop upside down and remove the screws around the panel you need inside. Set these aside and then pry the top up with a flat screwdriver. Now you will see the CMOS battery, remove this with the tab that is on top of...

computer-hardware.wonderhowto.com

If you are going to return/replace then just reset to factory settings. This should erase all stored data.

 

[WheezyCarl]

Pretty easy to replace.

How to Replace the CMOS Battery

Information about why time may be lost or decreasing rapidly and how to replace your computer cmos battery.

www.computerhope.com

How to Replace a laptop CMOS battery

In this video, we learn how to replace a laptop CMOS battery. First, turn the laptop upside down and remove the screws around the panel you need inside. Set these aside and then pry the top up with a flat screwdriver. Now you will see the CMOS battery, remove this with the tab that is on top of...

computer-hardware.wonderhowto.com

If you are going to return/replace then just reset to factory settings. This should erase all stored data.

Thank you for the advice, but I'm going to pass on the "do it yourself " and return the item.

 

[kom526]

Thank you for the advice, but I'm going to pass on the "do it yourself " and return the item.

The re stocking fee will be more than the battery replacement cost more than likely and if it's new it should fall under warranty. 90 days?

 

[WheezyCarl]

The re stocking fee will be more than the battery replacement cost more than likely and if it's new it should fall under warranty. 90 days?

You're kidding??? It's not the cost of the replacement battery, but that there are no visible screws to remove. Anywhere. I did have to buy the cute pink laptop though...

 

[LightRoasted]

If I may ...

Thanks, how do I erase (?) my passwords and account info before returning item?

This is how people have their information stolen, identities, bank accounts, and the like. Thinking they can just delete things on a computer and no one is the wiser. Do yourself a favor, find a reputable person to assist you if in fact it is just the CMOS battery. If not, then have the hard drive removed and destroyed. Returning it to a store only opens you up to possible future personal financial and identity theft problems.

 

[BernieP]

CMOS battery is my first guess.

Second guess is that it's not "new".

 

[Ken King]

What is the make and model of the laptop?

 

[WheezyCarl]

Second guess is that it's not "new".

Brand new. Not refurbished.

 

[WheezyCarl]

What is the make and model of the laptop?

HP Stream.

 

[WheezyCarl]

Second guess is that it's not "new".

New, not refurbished.

 

[PeoplesElbow]

Wipe the drive completely and return it. You need to do a 3x overwrite and erase. It should be the stores problem to redo the drive if they sold you a defective computer.

5 Free Programs to Completely Wipe a Hard Drive

Looking to sell an old computer and want to wipe the hard drive clean before you sell it? Whatever your reason may be, there are lots of programs out there [...]

helpdeskgeek.com

 

[Ken King]

HP Stream.

 

[Ken King]

Also you might want to contact an on-site repair company. That way the laptop won't be at an off-site location so your data should be secure.

 

[WheezyCarl]

If I may ...


This is how people have their information stolen, identities, bank accounts, and the like. Thinking they can just delete things on a computer and no one is the wiser. Do yourself a favor, find a reputable person to assist you if in fact it is just the CMOS battery. If not, then have the hard drive removed and destroyed. Returning it to a store only opens you up to possible future personal financial and identity theft problems.

Thank you for the advice, I am going to replace the battery myself. I'm not willing to take a chance that someone could steal my information. Worse case scenario, I'll toss it into the river.

 

[Toxick]

Worse case scenario, I'll toss it into the river.

When you have 10 tons of brine shrimp and tetramin charged to your credit card, don't say I didn't warn you!

 

[WheezyCarl]

Clearly, I'm damned if I do, damned if i don't. F&ck U 2020...

 

[Grumpy]

Thank you for the advice, I am going to replace the battery myself. I'm not willing to take a chance that someone could steal my information. Worse case scenario, I'll toss it into the river.

If you can't get it working, pull the hard drive and make it into a external drive you can connect to your replacement computer.

Convert an Old Hard Drive into an External Unit

www.bhphotovideo.com