EEPROM error at start up

New to this forum, I acquired a DMA4500 unit that has not been used for several years. I have started it up several; times and get an EEPROM error after the screed for Testing eeprom writing eeprom . I am able to continue past the error screen by selecting continue. I contacted Anton Paar and was told unit is obsolete and no longer supported and no further information could be provided - so I figured what do I have to loose and carefully took cover off. I have significant experience troubleshooting hardware and systems, etc. Located the EEPROM which is socket mounted and it is an ATMEL 24C64 8 pin DIP device . first I reseated the chip since it has been so long since used - same error then I bought a selection of two-wire serial interface chips overnight delivery Amazon - same error - NOT an ATMEL part - but overnight availability. will buy an OEM tomorrow. thing is that I can continue past the EEPROM error - what gets saved on EEPROM, the test results?? I do not need to save results - so maybe it is okay for me. I also can not locate the annual or service manual - any help appreciated it shows on first boot screen DMA4500 v4.600.e 16.12.2002

Equipment: Anton Paar DMA4500