How to Troubleshoot a PC Clock

The clock on your computer is a handy little widget that you probably refer to frequently. If your clock is missing, displaying the incorrect time or is experiencing other technical problems, do not resort to calling a high-paid techie, buying a new desk clock or worse, purchasing a new computer just yet. Instead, try some troubleshooting. You can easily resolve several common issues to get your PC clock back up and running (correctly) in almost no time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Right click a blank area of the task bar, which is the area where your clock and names of the windows you have open appear. If your computer clock is missing, select "Properties" from the right-click menu that appears. The "Taskbar and Start Menu Properties" dialog box will open.

2. 
    

   Select the "Taskbar" tab if you are using Windows XP. On Windows Vista, go to the "Notification Area" tab.

3. 
    

   Select the check box that says "Show the Clock" or simply "Clock." Click "Apply" to save the changes and close the dialog box. You might need to restart the computer for the settings to be applied.

4. 
    

   Change the time by clicking on the clock once to open it. Click on "Change Time and Date Settings" to open the "Date and Time Settings" dialog box. Select a different time zone, if necessary, or use the up or down arrows to select the current time.

5. 
    

   Keep the clock synchronized using the Internet. Click to open the clock, select "Change Time and Date Settings" and go to the "Internet Time" tab. Select "Automatically Synchronize with Internet Time Server." Click "Apply" to save the changes.

Tips & Warnings

• If your clock consistently runs a minute or two ahead or behind, no matter how often you change it, you might be on a server (in an office, for example) that has a different time set. Your computer will default to the server's settings.

Resources

• Microsoft "Power Toys" PC Alarm Clock