The CPU (eg. AMD Athlon CPU) in the computer doesn't keep the clock running in the PC. This is merely the component that *runs* the software in the computer (that said the computer is totally useless without it since it also runs the software instructions for the hardware).
Keeping time is done by either the CMOS chip (when running from battery or when the system is 'off') or by the operating system. Troubleshooting: First, check the Time Zone setting in the operating system. (1) Windows XP automatically sychs the clock with a time server on the internet every week or so. If the time zone is set incorrectly you will loose or gain an hour or more. To change the time zone, consult Windows Help for the instructions. Hold Windows Key + F1 to open Windows Help. As for your previous computer it sounds more like the CMOS battery was weak. (2) Just like a weak battery in your watch it will cause the computer to lose time. CMOS batteries are very inexpensive and easy to replace. Your computer manual can tell you how to change the CMOS battery. How the PC clock works: Once the computer is on, the CMOS/BIOS passes the current time to the operating system. From that point the operating system updates the time held in the CMOS chip at regular intervals (through the use of hardware interrupt routines). Once the computer is shut off the CMOS chip resumes keeping time by drawing from either the battery, or on some systems, directly off the standby power as a reserve to the battery. --- In [email protected], Ginny <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > OK, whats up with these Athlon chips. One of my older computers was an > Intel chip and it kept time accurately. Then I bought an AMD Athlon the > dang thing kept losing an hour each week. I had to always reset it. I > figured there was something wrong with the chip etc. So I ended up later on > with another Intel computer and once again it kept time.just fine Well > recently my son got a smoking deal on an entire Compaq AMD Athlon computer > setup so I took it. Well, once again, this thing keeps losing an hour here > and there. So whats up with that!!!! Its a royal pain in the rear. > Ginny If you have any questions or problems with any aspect of this site, please feel free to contact me directly [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please do not post personal issues directly to the group. To unsubscribe from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thank you for using A-1 Computer Tech Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/A-1-Computer_Tech/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
