Mac Tower battery dying?

[ManFromGlass]

I’ve searched the internet about Mac tower batteries dying but all I find is information on laptop batteries. My 2010 tower is forgetting where I have left windows open and rotates their positions every time I boot up. I found that the original battery - a BR2032, not a CR2032, should last at least 7 years.
I’ve ordered another battery but wanted to check in with the SOS hive mind here in case this might be a symptom of another issue. I haven’t noticed any other issues but that doesn’t mean they aren’t happening.

[sonics]

I thought that OS configuration information like window location was saved to disk and is not dependent on the NVRAM battery. I believe a failing battery would affect things like display resolution, time, date, sound volume, startup disk etc.
Have you checked the disk with Disk Utility?

[Guest]

If the resolution is changing then windows can move around, not sure about rotating though!

[ManFromGlass]

I moved up to High Sierra and Disk Warrior who has saved my butt many times, doesn’t work with the new (to me) Mac drive format. So I have no way to check my boot drive anymore for issues. I’ll continue on with multiple backups of all my drives in case the worst happens.

[Exalted Wombat]

So the Mac is remembering which windows should be open, but getting muddled about their screen position?

This just MIGHT be about PRAM memory getting confused. A new battery won't hurt. But Google for 'Reset PRAM' as well.

[ManFromGlass]

Yes - tried zapping the PRAM and rebuilding the prefs. Right now it is a bit amusing as the windows remain in the same place but the content is swapped, almost like musical chairs. I wouldn’t be surprised if it is accumulation of the detritus of numerous OS updates over 12 years. With luck it will be the battery.

[Guest]

Create a new user.

Switch to that user.

Open some apps and position them.

Turn off, turn back on and log into that user.

Are you seeing the same thing?