PRAM battery reset or similar for PowerBook G3 400MHz Lombard

Hello,
I recently acquired a PowerBook G3 400MHz Lombard? (not pismo)- with the battery dead and it not getting any signs of life beyond a green light on the display or the caps-lock. I was wondering if there is a simple fix that might get this going, similar to removing the PRAM battery on a Pismo that has been sitting there til the batteries drained. Any help would be appreciated so I'm headed in the right direction on this.
Thanks.
-m

Hi jpl,
First let me say a big thank you for such a prompt response. I love this place because of participants like you... thanks.
You have a Powerbook G4 in your profile; if you do
not have the Powerbook G3 Series Bronze Keyboard, the
following does not apply. If you have a G4, head over
to this forum:
http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=
124
Sorry for any confusion. I indeed have a G3 Lombard with the bronze keyboard (Got it in 1999). I then upgraded to the G4 about 3.5 years ago. And just last week I got me a shiny new intel iMac.
The Lombard is currently running Jaguar, but its gotten sluggish and has run out of space (original specs). I want to reinstall OS 9, but I have this current issue with starting it up.
Generally, if the powerbook does boot up, even
occasionally, you do not have a corrupted power
manager. The procedure you quote is for a powerbook
that does not start at all, even after a normal power
manager reset, and this usually occurs when a 'book
has been unused for a few months...this allows the
batteries to run flat and corrupt the power manager.
Unlike desktop computers, powerbooks can run fine
with a dead backup battery.
The computer is being used almost daily...
I would look first at other potential problems...
- Do you have a working main battery?
No.
- Once the 'book is running, does it perform
normally? Can you sleep/wake the 'book and also
perform a restart?
Once it's running it performs normally. I can sleep and wake. I CANNOT perform a restart.
- Once running, open the System Profiler >
Memory...does it report either 512K or 1MB of L2
cache?
My 'book is at home currently... I will check when I get home.
- When shut down, remove the main battery and optical
drive. With the power adapter connected, press the
reset button on the back panel to reset the power
manager, wait 5 seconds, then press the power button.
Does it •always• start normally from a cold start
when following this procedure?
I want to say no, but I will double check this as well when I get home.
Thanks again for your help!

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Yeah I find it funny too.
On that site another PRAM Battery (922-6476) retailing for $24 has a photo and is clearly just a $1 Panasonic CR2032.
I just found this on a UK site where the iMac G5 ALS PRAM battery part has a photo of a CR2032.
I've found the same battery over here for 95pence.
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PRAM Battery for Powerbook G4 17" 1.33 problem

I have an Aluminum Powerbook G4 17" 1.33 GHz computer and need to replace the PRAM battery. This poses a problem. Typically they sell the PRAM battery/USB board as one replacement because the two rechargeable 3.7 v coin CGL 2430 batteries are spot welded & soldered to the USB board in parallel. The replacement part is 922-6064. When I look for a replacement, all I can find are used parts which mean that the batteries have a diminished life. Panasonic stopped making those batteries in 2005 and I can't find anything comparable. Even the places that advertise new parts say they only have used in the end. Next model up, the 1.5 GHz Apple made a battery pack that can be replaced. NewerTech makes that replacement. I would like to replace the batteries on my present USB board - new ones can be soldered or a plug can be added, but I have run into these problems. Those coin batteries are not available and I know the voltage, but not the amperage of those coin batteries that were used. NewerTech can't tell me the voltage/amperage of their battery pack for the newer version Powerbooks, so I don't know if jury-rigging one of those packs would work with my version of the Powerbook. I can't find Apple's specs anywhere for the voltage/amps that should go into the PRAM/USB boards in the 1.33 model and the 1.5GHz model so that I can figure how to do this repair modification. The USB boards for both models look the same, but I don't think that they are, but what is the difference? Anyone have an idea how I can do this modification to add PRAM power to my USB board?

Actually, this is a very minor problem, if the negligible incidence of posts here about replacement PRAM batteries dying is any indication. Apparently there are very, very few users of Powerbooks (going all the way back to the G3s of 1998-2001) whose use of these machines has outlasted a second PRAM battery. I still have a working 2003 Titanium Powerbook with its original PRAM battery in place, a working 1998 Powerbook G3 with its original PRAM battery in place, and a working 1997 Powerbook 1400C with its original PRAM battery in place. I doubt that new replacements are available for any of those batteries, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy used ones if I intended to use any of those computers for several more years. I suggest you go ahead and do the same, and install the used battery yourself to keep the cost down.
Message was edited by: eww

Does a 12" PowerBook have a PRAM battery on the logic board?

We got an 867MHz 12" Aluminum PowerBook in today that doesn't seem to want to hold PRAM values any longer than 5 minutes. It doesn't seem to matter if it's plugged in and using the AC adapter as the source or the battery (as long as it's charged, of course ).
I've gone through the typical battery of tests, like removing the Airport, add-on RAM, etc. but the problems persist. To get the item to boot, I've been repeatedly resetting the PMU (shift-option-command + power button) followed by a PRAM reset (option-command-P-R + power button) and eventually it will chime and start to boot. I suspect that I can end up isolating this to a specific set of steps. One of the oddities I've noticed is that when doing this, the power isn't actually off. For example, if I do the PRAM reset, the item will appear to be dead, but if I hit the caps lock key it's clear that the power is still on.
Once the item boots, I can power it on and off, and it will reboot, as long as I don't let it sit any more than 5 minutes. If I let it sit 5 minutes or more, then I need to go through this whole reset game again.
I've seen stuff like this happen on PCs that often have ROM/PROM batteries installed (sometimes removable, sometimes soldered to the board) that retain system settings. There seems to be something that looks like one of these batteries installed on this motherboard, but none of Apple's tech repair manuals reference replacing it, and it almost looks like its welded to a connector, but then again I'm not sure it's even a battery.
So the question is: Does this motherboard have a PRAM battery on it that's failing? If there is one, is there a replacement or replacement kit available, or am I barking up the wrong tree all together?
Thanks in advance.

From what I can tell, this device uses a "mega capacitor" to maintain the charge on the memory. It looks almost like a battery that I put into one of my old cameras. This capacitor sits between the trackpad and the optical drive. The owner of this system did a DVD upgrade himself and it appears in the process he actually knocked this capacitor off it's base on the mother board. It superficially APPEARS to be connected because there's a bar on the top end of the capacitor soldered to the motherboard that's holding it in place, but the bottom end broke off the motherboard.
The boss of our company theorizes as follows:
1. The PRAM and NVRAM has a high impedance, and when the mega capacitor is properly connected and without power, the discharge rate based on the RC time constant is very long (probably weeks...maybe months).
2. When power is turned off it's the duty of this effective RC network to maintain PRAM and NVRAM since the discharge rate is so slow.
3. With this capacitor busted off, the only capacitance that exists in the circuit is likely that of RF bypass capacitors and any other capacitors that may be used to filter out the supply. Since these are likely much, much lower in value the RC time constant becomes minutes instead of days/weeks/months.
I think this is a good theory for the following reasons:
1. If the unit sits, powered off, for any amount of time greater than 3-4 minutes and it's powered up, the unit comes on, but the CPU doesn't start processing. The optical media initializes, the caps lock key will light, and if you listen closely to the unit you can hear stuff running....but the CPU doesn't start. The conjecture is that the all PRAM/NVRAM parameters have been lost and when the CPU starts it sees nothing there and hence, does nothing. The unit is actually running, it just doesn't do anything.
2. If the unit sits, powered off, for any amount of time greater than 3-4 minutes, the following process will allow it to start up:
a. Turn the power on and leave it on for about 2-3 minutes. This is the dysfunctional state identified above, but what seems to be happening is that the effective RC network is being charged.
b. After several minutes, turn the unit off and then immediately turn it on.
c. The unit boots successfully.
d. We can turn the unit off, and turn it on again, and it will successfully boot as long as we do it relatively quickly (within a minute or two), but if it's left off more than that then the "game" identified in steps a-c must be repeated.
To me this implies the unit relies completely on the "mega-capacitor" to retain voltage on the PRAM/NVRAM. It sort of makes sense because the equivalent impedance of a battery is low compared to that of the RAM chips and it would have the effect of limiting the RC time constant needed for the unit to retain it's PRAM/NVRAM parameters for a very long period of time. That isn't to say the battery isn't supplying anything to the unit when power is off...it may very well be, but I suspect it simply isn't doing it to this circuit.
Does this theory make sense?

Powerbook won't charge OR run on Good Batteries despite PRAM & PMU resets

Hi All, I own 4 Macs including 2 G4 1,67ghz 15" Powerbooks. I can't get one of the units to CHARGE or run OFF GOOD batteries.(Batteries charge fine on the other unit). I have tried the following:
1) PMU and PRAM NVRAM resets (Open Firmware)
2) Used the same power chord on both units. Both run fine off the power chord.
3) When I do the PMU reset, I need to reset the DATE/TIME preferences.
4) In System Profiler, the unit recognizes both batteries, one at 99%, the other @ 87%
5) Computer works fine so long as it's plugged in and the AC connection is maintained.
6) Cleaned the battery contacts o the machine
When I take the power chord and battery off the GOOD unit as if I'm doing a PMU reset and hook either the battery or power chord back on it also needs a DATE/TIME preference reset. I SEEM to recall both units always doing this, but I do have a faulty memory. The good unit holds the Date/Time with the battery installed.
The simple questions : Do the need for Date/Time resets with the batteries out of both units mean bad PRAM batteries on both computers?
The harder question: Any ideas/suggestions as to what might be wrong with the bad unit? I'm guessing ? that the PRAM alone is not the issue since the GOOD machine starts up fine despite a potentially??? bad PRAM battery.
I realize the logic board might be an issue, however the machine runs fine with AC power. I did take the computer apart to replace a faulty logic board awhile back but can't remember if the problems manifested immediately and as a consequence of that since I put the unit on a shelf and didn't use it again for 6 months or so. Is there anything besides the logic board that might be faulty/disconnected preventing the computer from utilizing battery power.
Again, it SEES a perfectly fine battery. It just can't use the battery.
Thanks for any and all input. I appreciate it.
Curtis

I happen to have two G4 1.67Ghz 15" PB's sitting in front of me too .... However, to answer your question ... If you remove the power and you remove the battery, and, when you put the power or battery back in and restart the system, and it resets the date to 1969 or some other ancient date, then yes, the PRAM battery is bad.
Now, the bad unit. There are 4 components to charging circuit: power adapter, dc-in card, battery, and logic board. With two systems, you've verified that power adapter and battery aren't contributors. The fact that it runs off wall power suggests the DC-in card is good. That leaves the logic board. Sadly, there isn't a test of any of these, so you have to do it by process of elimination. One of our PBs stopped charging a couple of years ago, and at the Apple store they said they start from least expensive and move up from there when it comes to diagnosing power issues.
The least expensive way to fix the logic board is to take it to the Apple store. For $350 or so (costs around 2X if done in store), assuming the case isn't banged up, they can ship it to the Apple Depot, who will replace whatever it takes to bring the system up to close to new. Comes back with a 90 day warranty. On the system we used this for, they replaced the logic board and battery, and it's worked fine, except it's recently developed the bad memory slot. For it's use, 1GB is OK, so it's not a big deal, although a bit disappointing (likely used a refurbished board that tested well at that moment in time).
Good luck!

Computer clock resets to 1969. PRAM battery probably not the issue.

I have a PowerMac G4 mirrored doors computer running Tiger 10.4.11 that occasionally starts up with that error message saying: "Your computer's clock is set to a date before March 24th, 2001. This may cause some applications to behave erratically."
I know all about resetting the PRAM, resetting the NVRAM, and replacing a weak, or expired battery. I've read the relevant posts on the subject, in which well-intentioned guides say that the problem is "usually" or "generally" related to the PRAM battery. Well, I wish it could be that simple, because I have already had a new battery installed, and the problem continues. It is intermittent; it's been occurring for about six months now; and it persists.
I seek technical assistance and successful, problem-solving suggestions that go beyond merely suggesting that I zap the PRAM or replace the battery.
If there are potential SOFTWARE problems, please direct me to those potentially damaged files. None of the disk utilities that I have used—including Disk Warrior, TechTool Pro, OnyX, Cocktail, or Drive Genius— find anything wrong with my hard drive or the files on it. No corrupted resources are reported. Additionally, Intego's Virus Barrier finds no infected files either.
However, a FileBuddy search of files modified before 3/25/2001 finds several dozen files with improbable dates of 12/31/1969 or 1/1/1970. Fewer files dated 12/31/1969 occur after I go to the Date/Time preferences pane and reset the clock to the current date/time and then restart my computer, especially in regards to system-related files. Nonetheless, several dozen files with a 12/31/1969 still remain, even after the date/time reset and the system restart.
I do not know if any of those pre-historic files are playing a role in this chronic problem, so I offer that information for the technically more astute to ponder upon and factor in to any solutions which might be offered. I have read posts where someone might suggest a re-install of Tiger, but the original poster almost always reports that re-installing Tiger did not eliminate problem, so I would prefer suggestions that rely on a scalpel rather than a sledge hammer.
If someone suspects that there may be hardware problem, I would like to hear theories along that line, too, although I am unlikely to consider gutting the hardware items just to retain the attractive computer case. Even though I do have other computers (an iMac G5 and a MacBook Pro), the PowerMac G4 is my preferred workhorse, and it is the only one configured to run Final Cut Pro (version 4.5; I can't afford to upgrade now), so I want to keep it functional without a major investment into an older machine.
When the computer clock problem first reared its irritating head several months ago, it was accompanied with kernel crashes that turned out to be related to the nVidia video card. I brought the machine in to a local shop, because it was refusing to power on. They installed a new battery to replace the original, probably weak original battery, and they replaced the probably defective nVidia video card with a used nVidia card I found on eBay. The shop also claimed that I needed to replace the motherboard and the power supply to ensure that the G4 would power on and that it would present a desktop without the warning message about the computer clock being set to 12/31/1969.
I decided to reject their assessment, since the whole repair job would have amounted to about $1,100. It seemed like an excessive solution. Since taking the G4 back about three months ago with only the new battery and the replacement video card installed, the computer has powered on every single time without fail, which, to my non-technician mind, would appear to indicate that the power supply is OK. However, I do still get an occasional warning about the computer clock being set to a date before March 24th, 2001.
I do not have the technical expertise or repair knowledge to know if the problem is hardware-related, software-related, power supply-related, or a complex interaction between all of them. If someone can suggest a permanent fix to eliminate the computer clock error problem WITHOUT requiring me to make a major investment in repairing or replacing hardware components, that would be ideal. On the other hand, if this clock problem is merely is an irritant, but not a sign of something more serious or expensive, then I am willing to live with it and get around the problem by going through the steps of resetting the clock when required and then restarting the computer with a correctly set clock.
My main goal, of course, is to have a reliable, stable computer. If it costs too much to eliminate the computer clock irritation on a permanent basis, then I am willing to live with the problem, as long as its presence does not disrupt my work flow. In that case, I would appreciate it if someone could explain what might be going on, so that I know what to expect and what to do about it.
I hope this is sufficient information with which to make a diagnosis and recommendation. If not, ask for more. Thanks.
bowlerboy

Short answer =
5) Upon reboot after re-connection and re-start, the Date & Time shows...
a) in the Date & Time pane: 12/31/1969 at 7:00 PM, and counting
b) in the Finder's menu bar: 7:00 PM, and counting
What do the results of this test tell you? Is this a software or a hardware problem?
======================================================================
Long answer =
Thanks, BDAqua, for offering your help. I'm not exactly new to these forums, but somehow my previous contributions have all been wiped out, so I've restarted under a new account name.
I've had my G4 MDD for five years, and it's always been quite stable for me, so I'm not quite sure that this model is "cantankerous." I do find the computer clock error message irritating, though, so it would be nice to know the source of the problem and its permanent solution.
Since my original posting, I elected not to Shut Down the G4 to see what would happen. It functioned just fine since then, allowing me to create some short Final Cut Pro movies as Christmas presents to family members. With one exception, all other applications also functioned without problems. The only problem I'm encountering has to do with H-P Photosmart Studio, an application bundled with the HP All-in-one model C7280. It will not settle down to work, forcing me to Force Quit it every time. Since that app works fine on my iMac G5, I decided to trouble-shoot it by reinstalling the HP software, a process that requires me to Shut Down. (If possible, I want to see if the problem is with the HP software, or with Tiger on my G4.)
However, before I can get even get to trouble-shooting the HP Photosmart, the G4 gives me that computer clock error upon re-boot. In the past, the Date & Time error message has appeared upon a cold reboot, no matter whether I had reset the Date & Time in the preference pane via the Network clock or manually. However, I never conducted my tests in conjunction with disconnecting the A/C power cable. So, I decided to try the the test you suggested. Here are my observations and the results of the test.
1) Upon Shut Down, cool down, and restart, I get the computer clock error message mentioned at the beginning of my original post, telling me that my clock is set to a earlier date.
2) When I open the Date & Time preferences pane, however, the date and time shown there (as well as on the Finder's menu bar) is current.
3) The Network setting was ON, so, to comply with this test, I unchecked the "Set date & time automatically" box. I do not need to reset date and time manually, because, as I mentioned they ARE set correctly, even though the message I got upon restart said that they are not. (If memory serves me correctly, though, the Date & Time panel would actually show 12/31/69 as the computer clock's read-out, so this discrepancy is somehow connected to this problem. )
4) I shut down the G4 for 2 hours, and I disconnected all cables and plugs to it, including A/C power.
5) Upon reboot after re-connection and re-start, the Date & Time shows...
a) in the Date & Time pane: 12/31/1969 at 7:00 PM, and counting
b) in the Finder's menu bar: 7:00 PM, and counting.
6) I take screen captures of the error message and the menu bar: both .PNG files are time-stamped as of 12/31/1969 at around 7:01 PM.
7) I will now reset the clock to the current Date and Time by turning the Network time feature back on, so I can get on with my work while the trouble-shooting process continues.
What do the results of this test tell you? Is this a software or a hardware problem?
If it's a software problem, then should I do I clean install of Tiger? If I do that, is there any evidence that a clean install will do any good to eradicate the problem?
On the other hand, if this is a hardware issue, is it contained to merely being an irritant that I can fix merely by adjusting the Date & Time whenever the problem occurs (which I can live with, as long as the system is stable after that fix), or is this error message regarding a sign of something more ominous failing on the motherboard?
bowlerboy

6400 PowerPc Performa Pram Battery issues - remove for storage?

Hello,
I have a 6400 that I want to use, primarily for storage of some older files, which I've now transferred onto it.
The unit obviously has a weak 4.5 volt alkaline Pram Battery as the Clock reverts to 1956 when is unplugged overnight.
My specific question is:
With all these vintage Performa's, will they work correctly and consistantly WITHOUT a Pram battery in them at all? (Realizing that the time must be set each time up).
I know WITH a weak Pram Battery random things begin to happen, and video can even be lost. My thinking for long term storage of an old unit would be to remove a weak battery before random problems degrade the unit.
Hence to iterate, will these units maintain the factory settings better and more consistantly WITHOUT a battery than with a Weak one, not losing the ability to come up.
Lowell

Jeff,
Thanks on your 64/6500's. I'm going to do just that.
My question was partly technical curiosity in that I've seen and read dozens of problematic symptoms from bad or weak batteries, and none of the answers ever said JUST TAKE
them out and leave them out until . . .
On that basis, I still can't quite figure out how all that relates to CUDA resets on a unit with problems. On most Performa's the board must be out to reset CUDA, and it would seem that the board would need power to reset?? (I'm speaking of a unit that is down, perhaps with a question mark or no hard drive showing, etc.) I'll keep reading.
FYI, I did make a battery pack fm 3 aa batteries for the 6360. Found one really interesting tidbit on AppleFritters, saying also that a 9 Volt battery has two 4.5's inside, and one guy used ONE of those.
Lowell
I removed the batteries from my retired 6400s and
6500s, primarily to prevent leakage (as Grant has
mentioned). I've seen the corrosive damage to
motherboards, caused by leaking alkaline solution
from those batteries. When I periodically start up
the 6400/6500s, I reset the date & time so that any
file modifications have the correct information.
Other than that inconvenience, the computers
function normally.

PowerBook G4 PRAM battery

A friend donated his retired 17" 1Ghz PowerBook G4 to my collection of older Macs. It worked when he took it out of service but it's been stored off power for several months. Does the PowerBook PRAM battery recharge like the ones in the original G3 Powerbooks or does it run down and die like the 3.6V 1/2AA PRAM batteries in desktop Macs? I've noticed they are quite expensive and not the easiest item to replace.
I can't do any testing at the moment because he forgot to send the power adaptor and the main battery is DOA. Fortunately, he will post the adaptor tomorrow.
Thanks in advance,
Allan

Thanks, BGreg.
This is my fist PowerBook. Other than not keeping date and time, are there any specific problems associated with a dead PRAM battery in this model. I know it can wreak havoc in a Beige G3 and some of the pre-G3 models. I've replaced PRAM batteries in Wallstreets before and that helps with several problems, but the Wallstreet is Old World ROM.
If I have a good main battery, have the computer plugged into wall power most of the time and is connected to our always-on home network, can I except reasonably normal function should the PRAM battery be truly shot?
AJ

Do these Powerbooks have a rechargeable PRAM battery?

Only reason I ask is my PB is between batteries at the moment so I've been using it without one installed. If I leave it unplugged overnight however when I switch it on in the morning it has lost its PRAM memory (the "You computer's date and time is incorrect" error pops up). However after I've used it for about an hour or so if I unplug it then plug it back in later it appears to remember the date and time. I just wondered if the PRAM battery is recharged by the AC and if I left it plugged in over night it would recharge it fully.

I left the PB with the AC plugged in for nearly 20 hours, unplugged it and forgot about it for another day (it hasn't got a battery in it still). When I just turned it on just now, the date and time had reset again. Does this mean the pram battery is a dud or does it only charge up when the PB actually has its main battery in it?

PRAM battery for iMac 333MHz

I have be trying to upgrade a iMac 333 MHz from 8.6 to 9.2.2
I am up to 9.1 but need to connect to my dsl to do the 82MB download.
I have been moving the iMac around to different electrical outlets now the iMac will not start up.
The date and time each time went to 1956 so I am thinking it is the PRAM battery right?
Does anyone know the type of PRAM battery I need to replace? I do not have the manual or tech specs...
JTS

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86181 Macintosh Family: Batteries and Part Numbers.
Radio Shack's battery# is 23-026. It is a 3.6V Lithium 850mAh1/2 "AA" battery made for Apple computers.
Mac 3.6 Volt Battery

Directions for changing pram battery on imac DV

Hi,
A friend of mine has an imac 400 DV slot loader with a dead pram battery. I look after this computer for them but have never changed the battery on one of these. Can anyone give me directions and/or photos? I've had a look through older questions but the links all seem to be out of date.
Thanks,
James

This Macworld article has photos that illustrate removal of the bottom housing and EMI shield, to access the motherboard for upgrades. Some experienced users have been able to replace the battery, by accessing it through the memory door on the bottom. This involves the risk of letting it slip out of your fingers and then having to maneuver/tilt the iMac about, to remove the loose battery. Prior to removal, you should note the battery's orientation as to polarity (marked on the motherboard).

Replace a PRAM battery in a PowerBook TI

Here's my Powerbook:
Machine Name: PowerBook G4
Machine Model: PowerBook3,2
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (11.3)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 400 MHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 1 MB
Memory: 512 MB
Bus Speed: 100 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.1.8f5
Serial Number: QT1251JML98
Sales Order Number: M7952LL/A
Where's the PRAM battery in this PB? I see everything here BUT the PRAM bat.
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Device/PowerBookG4_TitaniumMercury
Which Guide gets me closest to the battery? Thanks

Hi Steve,
Check out the repair guide here at macsales.com.

CMOS/PRAM battery for 15" MacbookPro 5, 3 (Mid June 2009)

Hey there!
What CMOS/PRAM battery I should purchase to replace the dead one in my MacbookPro5, 3 (Mid June 2009).
Thanks for any help!
- B

This article stops just short of your MacBook:
Apple Portables: Identifying the right battery--US
If your MacBook has a non-removeable main battery, it probably does not have a backup battery.

Bad PRAM battery?

My PB G3 Pismo wouldn't respond when I pressed the power button. After unplugging, replugging, resetting the power management, etc., I decided to go in. After a little tinkering around and no results, I pulled the PRAM battery cable out of the logic board and it booted up normally. This thing spent a lot of idle time in a drawer before I decided to pull it out and get re-acquainted with it.
Does this mean I have a bad PRAM battery? If so, where's a good place to get one, along with other add-ons for this unit - such as AirPort card/RAM/Hard Drive? Thanks.

sdburns,
Storing a powerbook allows the batteries to run flat which in turn can corrupt the power manager; if normal power manager resets do not clear the problem, disconnecting the internal, rechargeable backup battery will solve the problem. Normally, this PRAM battery is just discharged; leaving it connected to the power adapter for 24 hours or longer will charge it up.
Here is an article which describes how the battery works and also how to test it:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=30580
Occasionally, a discharged/old PRAM battery will have an internal failure and will prevent the powerbook from starting. Reconnect the battery and start up; if successful, allow it to recharge, then test.

Replacing pram battery

I will be opening up my iMac (G3 400 early 2001) soon to install a new hard drive. I realized this would be a good time to change the pram battery which is original, but still good.
If I do the replacement quickly enough will all the settings be saved? If not, what is involved to restore them? Is resetting the pram necessary? What, in general, should I know about doing this?
Also, since this will, at the same time, involve replacing the HD for upgrade- I will be cloning bootable external to new HD (with partition just below 128GB- how will the battery change complicate, if at all, this procedure? If settings are lost should I restore them when booted first from the external before cloning and partitioning? Thanks for any help on this.

You are stressing too much about this. Just replace the battery. After you get everything reassembled you will want to reset the PRAM and then set the clock.
It has nothing to do with the hard drive.

PRAM battery reset or similar for PowerBook G3 400MHz Lombard

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