Laptop keeps gaining time

[srellim234]

I have an HP Pavilion dv8000 laptop running Win XP Pro. I've downloaded all I can to update it from HP and Microsoft. It has started picking up about a half an hour a day on the clock. I know about the clock slowing down when the BIOS battery is dying out, but what causes the computer to gain time? Is there an easy fix?

[Looneybomber]

Yeah you setup the clock to update to either Microsofts or some government website, that way it's always right...or close enough. Now how do you go about doing that? I don't know. It asks when you setup the computer brand new, but beyond that, no idea.

[szh]

This: http://www.rocketsoftware.com/products/rtfree works very well too. The freebie one is a bit limited, (try it - you will see why), but it does the job.

Z

[MinisterofDOOM]

Yeah you setup the clock to update to either Microsofts or some government website, that way it's always right...or close enough. Now how do you go about doing that? I don't know. It asks when you setup the computer brand new, but beyond that, no idea.

Simple:double click the clock on the taskbar. Click the "Internet Time" tab, and check the box, and pick an option to synchronize to.

[srellim234]

Thanks. I guess I wasn't clear enough. I have a time synch program on it, but I've never had to worry about it. I was synching it manually only because it didn't need it but once every couple of months. It kept great time. Only recently did it begin to really start accellerating. I'm just wondering if the change is indicating a problem and what that problem is.

[krazydriver]

sounds like your computer needs a new flux capacitor.

Do you have the new DST updates, or service pack 3? That would rule any DST issues out.

Other then getting something to regularly sync it so it's proper idk. Just for kicks you could change the cmos battery and see if it makes any difference.

[szh]

double click the clock on the taskbar. Click the "Internet Time" tab, and check the box, and pick an option to synchronize to.

Ummm ... I think he said that he is running Win XP Pro. I don't think this works on that, does it? Is the above what works in Vista?

Z

[srellim234]

Yep. Service Pack 3 is installed. And you're right. That update function isn't there in Win XP Pro.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Ummm ... I think he said that he is running Win XP Pro. I don't think this works on that, does it? Is the above what works in Vista?

Z

It's for XP Home...I assumed it was the same for Pro as well...guess not.

[Looneybomber]

I know it works for Vista (on a Vista laptop now), but my XP MCE PC is at my parents house. Though I don't ever remember that function being there.

[xekushnr]

It must be OVERCLOCKED. Ahahahaha!

I have nothing to add but that. It came to me reading this thread and is probably only worth a mere chuckle even in person. Oh well.

[srellim234]

Thank you for the help. Problem and mystery is solved. Apparently the BIOS battery running down sometimes will cause the clock to speed up. I talked to a relative who does computer repair at a party yesterday and he informed me of that fact.

Anyway, found some manuals for the dv8000 online and replaced the battery yesterday afternoon. Really easy to do on this laptop. Battery is standard watch/photo button available just about everywhere. Clock's working perfectly now.

[szh]

It must be OVERCLOCKED. Ahahahaha!

Cute! I did chuckle a little!

Z