Clock on my computer

[Rove]

A few weeks back I removed some programs because of some problems that I have already explained in another thread.

Since then, my computer clock has been running erratic, going slow by about 10 minutes every day.

What does control the clock on the computer ?

Thanks. Bill

[Peter Goodey]

Is this any help?


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q189706

If you're still using Win98 you could start saving your pocket money for an uograde.

Also look around for a free utility to synchonise the PC with an NNTP time server.

[Bengie]

Quote
Also look around for a free utility to synchonise the PC with an NNTP time server.
Unquote.

Windows already does this, every Friday. Make sure it has not switched itself off somehow when you had your problems.

This should see you ok:

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/windows_date_it_overview.mspx?mfr=true

[Peter Goodey]

"Windows already does this"


XP for example does. But I believe he's on Win98, not XP.

[Bengie]

Sorry - I was assuming everyone has updated. Will have to soon as there is no
support or updates for 98 or ME any more.

[malcolm]

Also look around for a free utility to synchonise the PC with an NNTP time server.

If you just need occasional manual adjustments, try neutron:

http://keir.net/neutron.html

If you want to have your clock spot on any time you are on the intenet, try nettime:

http://nettime.sourceforge.net/

= Malcolm.

[christopher_n_lewis]

Sorry - I was assuming everyone has updated. Will have to soon as there is no
support or updates for 98 or ME any more.I don't see why I "will have to soon". My Windows 98 PC runs perfectly happily and allows me to run Office, my genealogy programs, e-mail and surf the web. I havn't needed Microsoft support for over a year, and I do not install new hardware/software. The hardware isn't able to run XP sensibly, but hey, who needs it.

Christopher

[Peter Goodey]

"I don't see why I "will have to soon". "

I'm with you on that one. If it works and meets your needs, lack of support is hardly an issue.

There may be other good reasons to upgrade the OS, a new PC being the usual reason.

Bill's problem is that his system is in a mess. He might feel that's a good reason to push "new PC" higher up his shopping list.

[Rove]

Hi Peter G.

You are close to being right but I'm not exactly in a mess.....LOL

Yes I'm on Win.98 only 3GB of hard disc space which is a worry but with your help on this forum I have been sailing fairly peacefully.
I do a lot of work on this faithfull computer. I have only changed a small cooling fan three years back. Have never contacted Microsoft.

Some time back I placed all my photos on 3 CDs that gained me 400mbs of space.
At times in this hobby its good to have a few trouble spots cause you always learn something.

Yes, I do want to buy a new one, something with 40GBs of space, not a lap-top. I have been visiting the Comp shops at least twice a week and each time I take notes and make comparisons. One thing, I dont think I'll get a Dell. Also, one reads about VISTA, this only confuses a person like me. You say to yourself " shall I wait a bit longer ?"

BTW, I did like you said about setting the clock. Went to Control Panel etc etc. That was 24 hour ago. Just now it is 6 minutes slow and this morn I had to take it forward 10 minutes. Its only a small worry.

One of you guys said "keep your old one handy after you get your new one" I think I shall certainly do that.

Bill in Melbourne.

[PamG]

Your computer time is stored in a microchip that is powered by a battery. A slow clock time is the first symptom of a dying motherboard battery. I've had this experience with computers on a LAN at my workplace.

I would give this serious consideration, especially if your computer is over five years old. If your battery dies completely, you will lose your default settings. If you are familiar with computers you can record your BIOS settings, then open the case and find the model number on top of the battery. When you replace it, go into the BIOS and load the default settings. If you're not comfortable with that, then take it into a computer shop and let them do it for you.

Regards,

Pam

[Rove]

Thanks Pam

I had a feeling it was something like you described.

I shall open the comp and look for it. Over the past 24hrs it only went slow by less then 2 minutes.

Bill.

[MarkJ]

Its a smallish flat battery - like the sort of thing in hearing aids or digital watches - but a bit bigger in general. Old (read - really old) PCs sometimes had a little power pack thing, but in all the more modern systens, the CMOS battery (which is what it is ) is as described. As Pam says, if you remove it, the BIOS settings will revert to the basic ones. In general, this will not affect most people - very few change settings (except the more "geeky" types ;) ) although some manufacturers do occasionally alter things. The only real point to note is clock speed for the CPU. Most systems can take a wide variety of processors - the speed of which is adjusted in several ways, one being the speed in the BIOS. I would note down the entries for that before changing the battery - it can make a considerable difference if your CPU ends up running a lot slower than it was before!
Many modern systems will auto detect the CPU and set the speeds accordingly - so it may not prove an issue, but its worth noting the main details down, just in case.