In a laptop with no larger battery, during startup, I see messages that CMOS has the wrong settings and the time always resets to 0. I opened the computer and found a small battery, however, it is wrapped inside a black plastic and the plastic has no label. From this battery, is attached one red and one black wire, approximately 7" in length, which has a tiny white plug. The appearance is quite similar to [this](http://www.ebay.com/itm/Medion-MIM20...item35e692d445), although different. There is no model number on the outside.

No service manual is available for the laptop.

Is destroying the battery, by cutting the plastic away the only solution to determining what kind of battery replacement is needed? Or are all such batteries the same inside and any will do for any computer, provided the plug fits?

CR2032 is a common clock battery for PCs and you should be able to find a replacement easily. From the picture it looks like the wires have been attached directly to the battery and then a length of heat-shrink tubing was applied. Saves the $0.20 that a real battery holder would cost.

Most CMOS batteries are 3V button cells, CR2032 as you show in your post. I'd reckon the one you found would probably do. It's not worth trying to rig a wired substitute unless you're really stuck.

Telling us what model of Laptop may help.

Play Bonny!

General,

This company is in the UK but I am sure that you can find a similar one locally or online:

http://www.smallbattery.company.org...._catalogue.htm

The reference numbers for the CMOS batteries may be useful.

The DIY route suggested above may well work with a standard 3 volt CR2032 battery.

There must be some identification on the laptop (make, model, serial/part/product number).

Cross reference that against the catalogue link above.

Just leave it alone is best maybe.

If I were to insist on changing it then I'd identify it. Many battery shops can find what you need or properly provide a replacement or replace it.
They can weld on leads and maybe solder in too.