Every time I start my computer the date & time is set to 12:00am, January 1, 2001. I use windows xp. Help.?

Answer 1

PCs have two clocks; the first is the hardware or "real-time clock" (RTC), a small battery powered module on the motherboard that maintains timekeeping when the PC is switched off, disconnected from the mains or a source of power.

The battery powering the clock generally lasts for between three and five years and towards the end of its life the clock will slow down or become erratic. Look out for warning messages at boot up, including the really helpful "CMOS checksum invalid", and "Invalid configuration run Setup".

Replacing the clock battery is not usually too difficult, and they normally only cost a few dollars, but seek expert help if you don't fancy the idea of opening up your PC.

The second PC timekeeper is the "software" clock which is built into Windows. At boot up Windows receives data from the RTC to set the clock and then uses system timing signals to keep the display clock ticking.

Nevertheless, the time on all standalone PCs can and does drift if the only source of reference is the RTC.

The best way to ensure accuracy is to log on to a "Network Time Protocol" (NTP) server on the internet.

These web sites give highly accurate time and date information derived from atomic clocks. Delays and errors introduced by the Internet, including the distance between the PC and time server, can be compensated for and it's possible to ensure that your clock is never out by more than a second, as well as correcting any errors in the PC's date settings.

Windows XP has an Internet time facility built in. When online, double-click the clock display, select the Internet Time tab, click the Update button and Windows checks and synchronises the clock with the two default NTP servers (for a list of alternative time servers go to: http://www.ntp.org/).

Answer 2

Your CMOS battery is dead. Go to a mom and pop computer shop, radio shack, fry's, somewhere they sell bulk or miscellaneous PC parts and get a CMOS battery.
Unplug your pc and put it up on a table/desk and open the case up (usually the left side when looking at the front of the PC, consult your users manual for opening instructions.)
you should spot the battery on the motherboard inside. There is usually a small metal clip holding it down, just move the clip and the battery pops up, put the new one in its place and pop it down.
Re-assemble your PC, plug it back in. in windows, set your time, then restart your PC, the time will now stick.
If its a laptop, good luck, must don't have accessible or replaceable batteries, you may have to just live with the problem in that case.

Answer 3

as the zombie has said your cmos battery is low. it is the battery keeps on working for clock and some other programs. it becomes low when u don't use the computer for long or the compit. is very old as it don't gets the supply to get charged. ask your computer seller.

Answer 4

Yeah, my cousin had the same problem until recently he formatted it. Your internal clock is damaged and you need to see a technician.

Answer 5

it seems that the cmos battery is low on power, ask someone to look n change it for you.
it is not very expensive one.