Computer clock

[Rollo]

I know that a failing battery can cause the clock to run slow, but what causes it to run fast?

[dot.hawkes]

it's probably not running fast it is probably that it is that slow it now looks fast, but it will be right at least once a day if not twice : )

[Rollo]

No, It's not that. It gains time intermittently. Sometimes only a few seconds during a day, sometimes a few minutes. It has gained 18 seconds since I posted the original question.

[pug100]

Hi Rollo,
How often do you have your clock updated and by which server? To check this right click the clock and select adjust time/ date and choose the internet time tab. This assumes you are on Win XP.

[Rollo]

It is synchronised weekly using the server time.windows.com

It was last done on 17 November. The next one is due to be done tomorrow.

I set it right manually using a different program, "atomic clock sync", when I notice it has gained by comparing it with the radio controlled clock I have here on my wall.

I just reset it again an hour after I last did it and it told me it had put it back by 30 seconds.

[pug100]

It could also be something running in the backgorund that's upsetting the sync. Is this a recent problem that you've noticed esp after an install or download?
I've found somethings it could be on Google but doesn't seen to be anything definite.
Try these links

http://www.driverheaven.net/hardware-discussion-su pport/1207-my-clock-running-too-fast.html

http://icrontic.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8772

http://www.techiegroups.com/archive/index.php/t-28804.html

[Rollo]

Thanks. I will have a look.

[kempie]

Firstly, there is no guarantee that a PCs realtime clock (RTC) will be accurate. Some RTCs run fast, others run slow - this is partly the reason why Microsoft provides time synching as part of their OS.

Secondly, you can change the polling interval used by Windows to synch the time with a time server. The standard interval is 7 days (604800 seconds) but you can select another interval, 15 mins (900 secs) being a recommended minimum. This value is set in the Registry.

If you have experience with editing Registry values the relevant key is:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpClient\SpecialPollInterval

[sarah_louise]

It is a fact of life that very often a computer motherboard clock on a �1500 computer does not keep as good a time as a �4.99 digital watch.