Fixing Clock on XP PC that Doesn't Want to Keep Time

SafeSurf · #1 19th December 2009, 08:06 AM

For some reason, I cannot get my time (clock) on my machine to keep time. I have to manually update it every time I turn the machine on. I know it needs to be kept UTD for antivirus, firewall, and other software to work. I've heard that this is a problem with some XP users, but I can't get my machine to work. It's malware-free.

Does anyone know how to get a clock to reset itself so I don't have to manually fix it every time?

I've tried doing a command prompt:

net stop w32time [Enter]
w32tm / unregister [Enter]
w32tm / register [Enter]
net start w32time [Close prompt window]

But after the second prompt, my system says prompt unknown. This was something suggested to me, so maybe someone else has a better idea.

I've also tried syncing with Date and Time Properties -> Internet Time, but this won't KEEP the time. I'm open to ideas. Thanks.

stapp · #2 19th December 2009, 12:17 PM

Perhaps your CMOS battery is dying.

http://w**.computerhope.com/issues/ch000239.htm

(replace asteriks with ww)

SafeSurf · #3 21st December 2009, 07:11 AM

Thanks Stapp. Your suggestions makes sense. I tried leaving my PC on for > 24 hours without success. I next went into my CMOS set up (found it under DEL), but I have no idea what I'm looking at except that there doesn't appear to be any errors; I went through each function.

I guess it's possible that I need a new CMOS battery, but would I see that I have this problem in the CMOS setup? I have an XP 2003 SP3 that I use every day since I got the machine. All other functions of the machine work fine except for manually having to set the clock...except when it was on for 24/7 doing the test you suggested. Otherwise, I guess I'll have to open my machine and see what kind of battery I have to see if it's removable (and ground myself!).

catprincess · #4 21st December 2009, 01:05 PM

The CMOS setup wouldn't tell you anything about the health of the battery. If the battery is dying, eventually the failure to keep time will progress to CMOS checksum errors when you try to boot.

If you are able to remove it, it would definitely be best to replace it. It's been a while since I replaced one, but they are usually like a large watch battery and aren't all that expensive. I think the one I had to replace was a CR2032.

balloonshark · #5 22nd December 2009, 04:53 AM

Your computer manual should have info about changing the battery. If not you may be able to find out more at the computer manufactures site.

Quote:

Thanks Stapp. Your suggestions makes sense. I tried leaving my PC on for > 24 hours without success. I next went into my CMOS set up (found it under DEL), but I have no idea what I'm looking at except that there doesn't appear to be any errors; I went through each function.

Was the time in the BIOS correct? The time in my BIOS is under "Standard CMOS Features". It has both the Time and Date which can be set. If you can find it and set it you will need to save the setting when you exit the BIOS. The F10 button in my BIOS is the option needed to save or there is an option for Save and Exit Setup. After that you will get a pop-up asking about saving and exiting.

Just be sure you only change the date and time and nothing else! If you make a mistake or think you've changed anything else you can always exit without saving.

Also, have you ever disabled Windows Time Service? It should be set to Automatic by default but some people (like me) disable it to close the port.

SafeSurf · #6 22nd December 2009, 06:48 AM

The time was correct in the BIOS is under "Standard CMOS Features" I think because I manually set it prior to rebooting my PC (my machine had been on prior to me doing this). Should I do this again but not manually have the correct time and set the time while in the BIOS under "Standard CMOS Features" and then save the setting when I exit the BIOS...and make sure I do nothing else? What I did last time was basically go through everything to see if I had any errors and I did not change any settings.

How do I check the Windows Time Service? I know I messed around checking for this but I can't remember how I did it. Can you refresh my memory? Thank you.

balloonshark · #7 23rd December 2009, 01:24 AM

If the time is correct in the BIOS then you don't need to do anything. If it's wrong then you would need to set the correct time and then save and exit. If that's the case you could boot up into BIOS again to make sure the time is still correct.

To check Windows Time Service, click Start - Run and then type services.msc and click OK. Scroll down to Windows Time Service and make sure the Status is Started and the Startup Type is Automatic. If it's not then double-click Windows Time and under the General tab change the Startup Type to Automatic then click Apply. Now under the Service Status press Start then Apply and Ok. It probably wouldn't hurt to reboot the computer.

If you need to replace the battery you might need write down all the BIOS settings in all menus and sub-menus. After replacing the battery you would need to boot into the BIOS and fix everything you wrote down. That is what my old computer manual states but every BIOS and computer manufacture is different.

SafeSurf · #8 23rd December 2009, 06:50 AM

I just checked the Windows Time Services, and it is on automatic.

However, I did notice that the "Uninterruptible Power Supply Properties (UPS)" is set to manual on the Local Computer. I double clicked on it for more info. and it is off. I tried to restart it and got "Error 2481: The UPS service is not configured correctly." Could this have anything to do with my backup battery source dying on me recently during an electrical blackout (I was going through one twice a year)? We have blackouts often where I live and I now have my PC and accessories hooked up directly to a power strip and during horrible storms (my home must be a magnet for lightening because of the number of near misses and actual hits), I unplug it only during the storms.

It looks like I'll have to actually replace the battery and write down all the settings in the menus and sub-menus.

balloonshark · #9 24th December 2009, 02:10 AM

Hi. The Uninterpretable Power Supply Service is set to manual by default. I have a UPS and mine is set to manual and the service is not started. I'm also running the Power Chute program that came with my APC UPS.

I'm not sure what is killing your UPS's but from what I've read they aren't the best at handling large spikes/surges. You also want to make sure you get the right UPS for your setup. With that said I always unplug the power and phone line or cable from the wall socket during an electrical storm. I'm also a lightning magnet LOL.

If you change the battery make sure you unplug the computer and press the power button to discharge any residual power. Also ground yourself by touching plain metal on the case before you reach in the case and while your in the case to prevent ESD.

When your finished make sure to boot into the BIOS to check or fix the settings.

**Peter2150** · #10 24th December 2009, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by balloonshark

I'm not sure what is killing your UPS's but from what I've read they aren't the best at handling large spikes/surges. You also want to make sure you get the right UPS for your setup.

You are right. I have big Zero Surge surge protectors in front of my UPS. They knock the surges before the get to the UPS. They are bit expensive but worth it.

Pete