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Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: 220_SWIFT on January 03, 2011, 09:20:41 AM

Title: OK computer guys, I need help
Post by: 220_SWIFT on January 03, 2011, 09:20:41 AM
Last spring I bought a new laptop for business.  It is an Asus notebook U50F series running Windows 7 Home Premium.  Ever since I bought it, the date/time is wonky.  Both will change at random, but not always both.  Sometimes it will be just the clock, sometimes the date, and sometimes both.  Also, the date and time seem to be random. As in it doesn't reset to a specific date or time.  This morning it was 12-15-09.  Last week it had changed to a date from last September. 

I had set i to sync with internet time, and have since turned that off as it still did it.  Any ideas?
Title: Re: OK computer guys, I need help
Post by: Zardozimo Oprah Bannedalas on January 03, 2011, 09:26:42 AM
Bad clock battery?
Title: Re: OK computer guys, I need help
Post by: Ben on January 03, 2011, 10:23:48 AM
Yeah, first thing I would try is replacing the motherboard battery.
Title: Re: OK computer guys, I need help
Post by: AZRedhawk44 on January 03, 2011, 10:25:39 AM
Yuck, that'll be fun to get to.  Complete laptop disassembly to get to it, probably.
Title: Re: OK computer guys, I need help
Post by: Ben on January 03, 2011, 10:54:02 AM
Yuck, that'll be fun to get to.  Complete laptop disassembly to get to it, probably.

Why did I not catch that it was a laptop? Yup, won't be fun at all.
Title: Re: OK computer guys, I need help
Post by: 220_SWIFT on January 03, 2011, 10:59:38 AM
I would have better luck removing my own gall bladder. LOL

Well, that's why there are people who get paid money to work on computers.

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.
Title: Re: OK computer guys, I need help
Post by: mtnbkr on January 03, 2011, 11:07:19 AM
I would be surprised if it were the battery, especially in a laptop new enough to run Windows 7.  It isn't impossible, but unlikely.  Also, for the clock battery to be a culprit, the laptop would have to totally lose power, including the primary battery.

Chris
Title: Re: OK computer guys, I need help
Post by: 220_SWIFT on January 03, 2011, 11:15:28 AM
I didn't think it was the battery either, but I am by no means an expert.  I bought the computer back in February, and it has done it since then.  Also, the computer stays plugged in quite a bit.  I never run it off just the battery as work time is longer than battery life.   
Title: Re: OK computer guys, I need help
Post by: Ben on January 03, 2011, 11:18:04 AM
I wonder if running a live version of Linux would help diagnose? If the Linux shows correct date/time, then it could likely be a glitch in the Windows install.

But for hardware, I'm hard-pressed to come up with something other than a bad MB battery that wouldn't also be affecting other stuff besides time? Maybe something wonky in the BIOS?
Title: Re: OK computer guys, I need help
Post by: mtnbkr on January 03, 2011, 12:00:35 PM
But for hardware, I'm hard-pressed to come up with something other than a bad MB battery that wouldn't also be affecting other stuff besides time? Maybe something wonky in the BIOS?

Could try a BIOS update and making sure you're up to date on your patches.

Do you have any time servers configured?  Maybe you're pointed to a bad one...

Chris
Title: Re: OK computer guys, I need help
Post by: Harold Tuttle on January 03, 2011, 12:30:15 PM
when in doubt, boot from ubuntu on a memory stick
Title: Re: OK computer guys, I need help
Post by: Fitz on January 03, 2011, 02:03:28 PM
Am I missing something?

You just bought it right?

Don't dig into it: take it back
Title: Re: OK computer guys, I need help
Post by: RaspberrySurprise on January 03, 2011, 06:05:51 PM
Am I missing something?

You just bought it right?

Don't dig into it: take it back

He bought it last spring, I think that's past the return time of almost anywhere.
Title: Re: OK computer guys, I need help
Post by: Fitz on January 03, 2011, 06:25:05 PM
Warranty then?
Title: Re: OK computer guys, I need help
Post by: 220_SWIFT on January 03, 2011, 06:31:09 PM
It's under warranty.  I was just trying to see if there was anything I could do without taking the extra time.   
Title: Re: OK computer guys, I need help
Post by: Fitz on January 03, 2011, 07:10:46 PM
Have you searched for a service manual? In it, you'll find a takeapart guide that can walk you through it step by step.

Speaking of which, I need to upload all my apple service manuals to a site before my GSX account expires.