date and time resets to December 31, 2000 upon boot

[Headache]

Ever since Sunday September 6th, 2008, my computer has had a problem with the
date and time displayed in the task bar. Whenever I turn on the computer, the
date would reset to December 31, 2000, and the time would reset to a time
that\s approximately 3 hours later than the actual time. After I readjusted
the date and time to the correct ones, and I restart again, the time would be
fine. However, if I turn on the computer the next day, the time would revert
to the December 31, 2000 date and the corresponding wrong time. When this is
the case, as I turn on my computer, the first screen would be accompanied by
a beep sound and this weird "America *something*" title on the screen briefly
(I have never managed to get a good look at the screen because on a
particular day, it only shows up the first time I turn it on).

Can anyone help me fix the problem? Or, at least point me in the right
direction? Could this be a virus problem. which I doubt it is, or does it
have something to do with the battery or something that has to do with the
hardware? BY the way, it's a desktop computer. I'm really fed up with
changing the date each day I turn on the computer, and help would be greatly
appreciated.

 

[JS]

If your PC is 3 or more years old it could be the battery
(located on the motherboard) needs to be replaced.

JS

 

[smlunatick]

Ever since Sunday September 6th, 2008, my computer has had a problem withthe
date and time displayed in the task bar. Whenever I turn on the computer,the
date would reset to December 31, 2000, and the time would reset to a time
that\s approximately 3 hours later than the actual time. After I readjusted
the date and time to the correct ones, and I restart again, the time would be
fine. However, if I  turn on the computer the next day, the time would revert
to the December 31, 2000 date and the corresponding wrong time. When thisis
the case, as I turn on my computer, the first screen would be accompaniedby
a beep sound and this weird "America *something*" title on the screen briefly
(I have never managed to get a good look at the screen because on a
particular day, it only shows up the first time I turn it on).

Can anyone help me fix the problem? Or, at least point me in the right
direction? Could this be a virus problem. which I doubt it is, or does it
have something to do with the battery or something that has to do with the
hardware? BY the way, it's a desktop computer. I'm really fed up with
changing the date each day I turn on the computer, and help would be greatly
appreciated.

The problem your are describing is usually a symptom of a failing /
failed CMOS / BIOS battery. This battery is used to retain the CMOS
info as well as maintaining the date/time clock settings. You can
usually replace it since it is usually a coin-cell type of battery
(aka watch battery.) Just buy one at your local store but make sure
it is the same battery number (Cr-3020???)

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was 9/11/2008 12:13 PM, and on a whim, Headache
pounded out on the keyboard:

Ever since Sunday September 6th, 2008, my computer has had a problem with the
date and time displayed in the task bar. Whenever I turn on the computer, the
date would reset to December 31, 2000, and the time would reset to a time
that\s approximately 3 hours later than the actual time. After I readjusted
the date and time to the correct ones, and I restart again, the time would be
fine. However, if I turn on the computer the next day, the time would revert
to the December 31, 2000 date and the corresponding wrong time. When this is
the case, as I turn on my computer, the first screen would be accompanied by
a beep sound and this weird "America *something*" title on the screen briefly
(I have never managed to get a good look at the screen because on a
particular day, it only shows up the first time I turn it on).

Can anyone help me fix the problem? Or, at least point me in the right
direction? Could this be a virus problem. which I doubt it is, or does it
have something to do with the battery or something that has to do with the
hardware? BY the way, it's a desktop computer. I'm really fed up with
changing the date each day I turn on the computer, and help would be greatly
appreciated.

You didn't mention how old the computer was, but it sounds like the
battery on the motherboard has died, which is causing a reset each time
it's turned off.

If you are comfortable with opening the case and locating the (usually)
thin round battery, you can remove it and get it replaced. Unplug the
computer before doing this.

--
Terry R.

***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

 

[John]

Can anyone help me fix the problem? Or, at least point me in the right
direction? Could this be a virus problem. which I doubt it is,

Why don't you scan it?

or does it
have something to do with the battery or something that has to do with the
hardware?

It could be. However, if the PC stays plugged in, (I think) it should keep
its clock settings regardless of the battery condition. I have an 8 year old
desktop (Pentium III that I built it in summer 2000 and still using to this
day). I've never changed the battery. Never have a problem with the clock.

I'm really fed up with
changing the date each day I turn on the computer, and help would be
greatly
appreciated.

You can use internet time server to sync your PC clock.

 

[nass]

Ever since Sunday September 6th, 2008, my computer has had a problem with the
date and time displayed in the task bar. Whenever I turn on the computer, the
date would reset to December 31, 2000, and the time would reset to a time
that\s approximately 3 hours later than the actual time. After I readjusted
the date and time to the correct ones, and I restart again, the time would be
fine. However, if I turn on the computer the next day, the time would revert
to the December 31, 2000 date and the corresponding wrong time. When this is
the case, as I turn on my computer, the first screen would be accompanied by
a beep sound and this weird "America *something*" title on the screen briefly
(I have never managed to get a good look at the screen because on a
particular day, it only shows up the first time I turn it on).

Can anyone help me fix the problem? Or, at least point me in the right
direction? Could this be a virus problem. which I doubt it is, or does it
have something to do with the battery or something that has to do with the
hardware? BY the way, it's a desktop computer. I'm really fed up with
changing the date each day I turn on the computer, and help would be greatly
appreciated.

Hi Headache,
Buy this little aspirin which called CMOS Battery <G>
How To Replace The CMOS Battery In Your PC
http://www.liverepair.com/encyclopedia/articles/cmosreplace.asp
You will need to get the same size/specs COMS battery, so take the Old one
with you to the shop to compare!
HTH,
nass

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Time to replace your CMOS battery, d00d.

 

[db.·.. >]

: ) do you know
about the cmos
battery?

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>

 

[Bamboo]

Yes it is more than 3 years old. Where is it located on the motherboard? I
have no experience with doing this, so I would like to know the approximate
place of the battery before doing anything to it.

 

[Bamboo]

It's the same kind of battery as the watch ones? So there's nothing special
about this CMOS / BIOS battery, and I can just get them in any electronics
store, right? Thank you, I'll give it a try.

 

[Bob I]

Depends entirely on where the manufacture puts it on the motherboard,
BUT it lies flat in a holder and is the size of a quarter.

 

[Bamboo]

The date and time was 9/11/2008 12:13 PM, and on a whim, Headache
pounded out on the keyboard:


You didn't mention how old the computer was, but it sounds like the
battery on the motherboard has died, which is causing a reset each time
it's turned off.

If you are comfortable with opening the case and locating the (usually)
thin round battery, you can remove it and get it replaced. Unplug the
computer before doing this.

--
Terry R.

***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

Yes, it's pretty old, I will try to change the batteries this weekend, and
I'll let you know if the problem persists. Thank you for the advice.

 

[Bamboo]

Why don't you scan it?


It could be. However, if the PC stays plugged in, (I think) it should keep
its clock settings regardless of the battery condition. I have an 8 year old
desktop (Pentium III that I built it in summer 2000 and still using to this
day). I've never changed the battery. Never have a problem with the clock.


You can use internet time server to sync your PC clock.

It can only be synchronized if it's the right date.

 

[Bamboo]

Hi Headache,
Buy this little aspirin which called CMOS Battery <G>
How To Replace The CMOS Battery In Your PC
http://www.liverepair.com/encyclopedia/articles/cmosreplace.asp
You will need to get the same size/specs COMS battery, so take the Old one
with you to the shop to compare!
HTH,
nass

Thank you, the link's very helpful.

 

[JS]

Most likely position is the near bottom right corner of the motherboard.
If you have no instructions on replacing the battery, go to the PC or
motherboard manufacture's web site a look for documentation on your make and
model.

If you can't locate any instructions, then remove the left side cover off
the case and use a flashlight to locate the battery (silver in color, about
the size of a US quarter.

How to install a CMOS battery:
http://www.pctoday.com/editorial/ar...techsupport/110w10/110w10.asp&ArticleID=31003

My suggestion is that if it looks to be the same as the picture in the above
article, then buy a new CR2032 battery, remove the new battery from the
package and have it ready to quickly remove the old battery and insert the
new one.

If you can replace the old with the new in about 30 seconds or less you may
be able to save the BIOS setting. If you remove the old battery and take too
long to insert the new battery the BIOS will most likely revert to the
factory default setting and you need to enter the BIOS setup mode when you
first power on the PC an configure the BIOS to meet your needs.

JS

 

[Bamboo]

Thank you, this is really helpful. I'm going to try to fix it once I get home
today. I'll let you know how it turn out either way.