Solutions to pc "clock problems"

The PC clock that appears in the system tray on most Windows task bars is a convenient feature. It shows time, and often syncs with additional software. The PC clock is easy to set, but a multitude of problems arise when it consistently reverts to an incorrect time. Fortunately, many of these problems are easy to fix.

1.Network

1. For computers on a local area network, the time displayed in the PC clock is often set by a central server, and it cannot be changed on any individual computer. Network time configuration may thus both create or resolve a PC clock discrepancy. If the network synchronization between a computer and a server fails, then a correct network time may not appear on a PC clock, preventing Windows from always having the correct time. Or, the synchronization may work fine, but the server's time setting is incorrect, causing the PC clock to be wrong as well.

2.Daylight Savings

2. Windows XP has a particularly well-known problem with incorrect PC time due to a bug in its daylight savings time settings. For part of the year, when daylight savings time is not in effect, the PC clock will not associate the correct time with the relevant time zone configured. Even if the PC clock is changed to display the correct time, it will not register this setting in other software. To fix this, Microsoft released a patch for Windows XP that adjusts the operating system's handling of daylight savings. The patch is a quick download and resolves many PC clock problems related to this.

3.Battery

3. When a computer is turned off or unplugged, it still retains the correct time setting. This is due to a battery which powers a small chip to maintain vital system information. A variety of battery types are used in PCs and most are easily replaced. In some cases, the battery is attached to a housing from which it cannot be separated, thus replacing the entire housing is necessary. Fortunately, most battery replacements, including housing when necessary, are quick and inexpensive.

4.Internet Sync

4. In some cases, a PC cannot maintain the correct time despite a working battery and fully functional operating system. The cause is often due to a problematic CMOS chip, which regulates PC time. This chip simply may not keep time well. In such cases, the PC can be synchronized with a time server, much like PCs on a network. To turn on Internet sync, double-click the clock and switch to the "Internet Time" tab. Enable the feature, and verify that a server is listed and selected.

5.Software

5. In rare cases, third-party software running on a Windows computer can interact with the PC clock and change its time (see the Resource section). If the problem is new, consider any applications that were recently installed and are known to always run in the background. System utilities and antivirus software are possible causes. If a program meets these criteria, disable it from running automatically, and monitor any changes in PC clock performance to verify this cause.