Why Does a Computer Clock Lose Time?

What makes a computer clock lose time every few days.

A computer clock denotes the computer system’s recording of time. It also follows a certain calendar to report days of the year. The time and date is necessary for the system as it needs to update and maintain a record of the files. Moreover, the time feature is equally important for the user, in order to maintain his daily calendar. The system saves the creation time of files, but may lose the correct time record. This not only misreports the time of creation of files, but also perturbs the user.

Battery

A computer clock uses a battery to control the time and date. The loss of time could be due to many reasons like weakening of the battery, running too many applications at a time, or heavy anti-virus software. The battery controls the time, when the system is turned off. If the battery becomes weak, the system loses time. An easy solution is to replace the battery.

Internet Server Synchronization

The Internet server usually synchronizes the time of the computers connected with it. The computer clock can gain or lose time due to the interference of server and the client systems. It happens because the computers connected with server may be in different time zones, and the server changes all the time formats according to its own time.

Encumbrance of programs

Encumbrance of appointment reminders, calendars and other installed programs with computer clock time causes the system to lose time. Check if the system is too busy and if the processor is working slowly. Delete some of the unnecessary running applications to avoid loss of system time.

Different Time-zones

Sometimes, the computer clock loses time because the computer time zone differs from the actual time zone. For example, some systems do not recognize the daylight savings time.

Fixing the Problem

Synchronize, the computer time manually when it is connected with the Internet to avoid the automatic time synchronization by the Internet server. Abort the applications that are running and making the system speed slow to avoid losing computer clock time. Restart the computer in safe mode for immediate assurance that the time has been permanently restored. Supplant the battery carefully and use non-conductive foam under the computer to avoid electrostatic discharge.

References

• "Special Edition Using MS-DOS"; Jim Cooper; 2001
• "PC for Dummies"; Dan Gookin; 2007
• "Computer System and Network Security"; Gregory White, Eric Fisch and Udo Pooch; 1995