I have a Sony HVR V1E which has had limited use over three years. I think the internal cmos battery is exhausted, now when I attach the camera batteries, it will intermitently fail to read them, either saying the battery is flat or the battery connected is not an Info Lithium battery. Disconnecting the battery for a few momrents sometimes works but not always.

Any suggestions?

Sounds like a trip to the shop is in order.

This does not have anything to do with the internal clock battery. The problem is normally a problem with the battery contacts or a problem on the main board. I would try a new Sony battery or known good Sony battery first. Generic batteries don't always work. There is an IC in the battery that communicates with the camcorder and we have seen problems with a lot of the non Sony batteries.

Good Luck!!!