Can't change time in Windows XP Pro.. HELP!

[DaveNCheez]

I am unable to change my windows clock.
As soon as I change the time, it resets itself to whatever it previously was within 2 seconds.
The bios time is also getting set to that time. Im not sure if its a faulty bios timer or what but it's really annoying.
Also this occurs whether or not Internet Time Synchronization is enabled.
It seems I saw something onetime to sync windows time to system clock, however I can't seem to find it now so I can disable it (if thats even the problem).


Any help would be greatly appreciated as Im losing about 15 mins a day.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Verdant]

windows just grabs the time from the system clock, they are one and the same...

are you sure you aren't running some sort of clock synchronization? are you a member of a domain?

 

[johnjkr1]

It is almost certainly not a faulty bios. Here is a simple way to test. Reboot the computer, go into the bios, set the time. Exit saving changes, then shut off the pc (or you could just restart) and go DIRECTLY into the bios again. Is the time correct? I guarantee it will be, you have a windows software issue.

 

[DaveNCheez]

yes, reseting in bios corrects the time in windows... So I know its syncing to it.

I just can't figure out why changing the time will not change in windows.

on most systems you can change the windows time with no issue.

even if the time ran fast.. it wouldn't be a big deal if I could change it to the correct time without going into bios

Dave

 

[johnjkr1]

Try it in safe mode.

 

[Smilin]

1. Make sure you have rights to change the system clock. If you're an admin this is not a problem.
2. Make sure your time zone is correct. Otherwise XP will keep setting it's time from an internet time server and assuming you're in a different zone.
3. If the above two don't work, make sure the battery in your mobo isn't going.

 

[DaveNCheez]

It does work in safemode... so it must be something loaded in full mode..

Dave

 

[Smilin]

In that case, see my item #2 above. W32time runs in normal mode. Be sure the timezone is right and your time source is set to an internet server. If it's set to a local server/DC do a sanity check on that server's clock.

 

[DaveNCheez]

Thats the thing though.. the local timezone is correct. Everything should be fine.. Can I just disable the W32 time?

Thanks
Dave

 

[Smilin]

yep.

Keep in mind if you are in a domain you may not be able to get a secure channel to the DC for logon if your time is shifted by more than five minutes. Depends on policy.

 

[DaveNCheez]

Thanks for all of the help. I finally found the problem.
A program called Access Administrator Pro which password protects a folder some how messes it up. When uninstalled.. I can reset the time with no problems. It's weird because I never had a problem with AAP.. Ive been using it for several years... so Im not sure.. beyond switching to a P4 with Hyperthreading.. on a new mobo last year.....

thats the only real change..

but all the same I appreciate the help.

guess I will just have to find another tool to protect a folder