TOPIC: Time and Date Issues

(from Karl)
Hey Willie,
The other morning the time and date on my computer went nuts. I reset in in Windows and it worked fine until the next time I turned on my computer again. The same thing happened again and again. What do I do?

Willie Says:
It sounds like the battery on your mother board needs replacement. There is a small shiny round battery set into your motherboard that looks like an oversized watch battery, about 3/4 inch in diameter. This battery controls your CMOS time settings. So, when you turn your machine off, the time and date are retained. If the battery is dead, an older time and date will appear each time you boot up.
If you are very careful, you can change this battery yourself. Be sure the machine is unplugged from the wall and be very careful not to damage the motherboard or the retaining clips (you need to move only the short one on the side). Get the exact same type of battery (same voltage and size) at most any computer dealer.

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Disclaimer:
(lawyers make us do this stuff)
Although we will try to diagnose the problems you may be having with your PC through this column, there is no guarantee that this advice will fix the problems you are experiencing with your machine. Only a true, one-on-one diagnosis is an accurate way to pinpoint the issues a computer may be having. This advice is directed at the most common and easiest "fix" issues that are found in most home or office PC's and can usually be repaired or resolved (with some direction) by the PC user and not a IT professional. 360custom.com, its owners, staff or associates is not responsible for any damage including (but not limited to) loss of data, hardware or software damage) that may result from attemps at following the instructions in this column.