System Clock on Windows 95-Based Computer Loses Time

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

The system clock on a Windows 95-based computer may experience a cumulative loss of time.

CAUSE

When you run the Date/Time tool in Control Panel, the computer's real-time clock (RTC) is updated using the MS-DOS system time. Because the RTC is being updated by a device that is less accurate, a cumulative loss of time can occur over a period of time.

RESOLUTION

To work around this behavior, use either of the following methods:

• Do not use the Date/Time tool in Control Panel or double-click the time in the taskbar to change the date or time. Instead, use the TIME or DATE command at a command prompt to change the time or date.
• Rename the Timedate.cpl file in the Windows\System folder. This removes the Date/Time tool from Control Panel, but does not prevent the time from being displayed in the taskbar.

MORE INFORMATION

The MS-DOS system time is accurate to 1/18 of a second. Each time you use the Date/Time tool, an incorrect time is written to the computer's RTC. The amount of time lost depends on how often the Date/Time tool is opened and the amount of time since it was last opened.

For standalone computers, this may not be much of a problem. However, with network programs that rely upon time and date stamps to ensure the proper file is accessed, this can cause problems over a period of time.