Trouble with the system clock

[Guest]

On my PC the system clock has slowed down and is providing me with an
incorrect time/date. I ran my anti-spyware program and I also ran my
anti-virus program and that didn't change anything. I really don't know what
to do and I would appreciate any kind of help.

 

[V Green]

Look in your system manual for instructions on how to
change the CMOS backup battery.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

A slow system clock is nearly always related to a conflict with some other
installed software. Limiting what is loaded at boot can often resolve it or
at least tell you what is the problem.

How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP [Q310560]
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310560

Start by disabling AV software entries, as these are the most common
offenders. By the way, Windows makes a terrible clock. You might find it
easier to just hang one on the wall nearby.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Dick Mahar]

On my PC the system clock has slowed down and is providing me with an
incorrect time/date. I ran my anti-spyware program and I also ran my
anti-virus program and that didn't change anything. I really don't know what
to do and I would appreciate any kind of help.

If the clock time becomes inaccurate during periods that the PC is turned off,
it is surely the battery that needs repalcing. If it malfunctions while powered
up, it could be from another cause. The battery can crap out anyime after a
couple of years.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

This would be true if the system time was wrong at boot (provided of course
that it is set correctly in the BIOS in the first place). If it is losing
time while running then it is a software issue. Windows gets the time from
the system clock (BIOS) when first loaded, then tracks it itself from there.
If it loses time while shut down, then it's the battery. If it runs slowly
while the machine is powered on, it's a software conflict.

The OP was not specific about when the clock was slow, so anything is
possible.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Ken Blake]

In

If the clock time becomes inaccurate during periods that the
PC is
turned off, it is surely the battery that needs repalcing.

That's correct

If it
malfunctions while powered up, it could be from another cause.

More than "could be." Since the battery isn't used while the
computer is running, problems with the time that occur while it's
running can *not* be the battery.

The
battery can crap out anyime after a couple of years.

The battery can "crap out" any time. It doesn't have to be after
a couple of years. *Usually* batteries last at least three years,
but some last a much shorter time. Also you have no idea how old
it is when you first get it.

 

[NobodyMan]

That's correct




More than "could be." Since the battery isn't used while the
computer is running, problems with the time that occur while it's
running can *not* be the battery.

Lest we forget, unless you physically interrupt the power between the
wall and the computer, then if "turn off" the computer by using the
Start/shut down function you aren't using the battery either - at
least, not in any computer with an ATX PS that has been built in the
last couple of years. These systems trickle power, even when the
computer is so-called "powered down", to the motherboard to keep the
CMOS alive and so certain peripherals, like the Modem and/or NIC can
listen for Wake-Up signals and power-up the system.