Blank screen at first boot

[StickyR]

I'm really sorry for being such a goofus but what battery are you talking about here and where am I putting it? By the way, I'm thinking about just keeping my computer on standby mode, hoping that will prevent future aggravation. The problem seems to be getting worse every time I totally shut off and then days later turn on again my computer.

[patio]

         

[StickyR]

Please understand why I'm a little hesitant about going with your suggestion. According to other information I gathered from the web,  I'm going to have to reset the CMOS or BIOS stats once I change the battery. That and the assurance that a battery should last 10 years and mine is only about 5; plus I'm not getting any message about a faulty battery when I do achieve a working screen.
Does anyone know of some software I can download that might tell me for sure whether my battery is OK or needs to be replaced? A whole diagnostic program might also be beneficial. I have tried searching for them on my own but most are not compatible for Windows 98.
Thanks again for your help and patience.

[Richenstony]

Its not hard at all to replace that battery.........

[patio]

1) You do not need to do anything in the BIOS period.
Replacing the battery automatically re-sets it to default.
2) Where does it say the batteries last 10 years ? ?
3) Most machines will not show a message the CMOS battery is failing.

You could be done by now...

[StickyR]

Thanks. I will try to follow your advice though my reluctance over futzing around with computer electronics may cause some short delay on my part. By the way, here is where I found the supposedly incorrect information on dealing with changing batteries:
http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles/2004/w1510/32w10/32w10.asp