Re: Does time run off the mains frequency (very strange behaviour)

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance

From: Pegasus \(MVP\) (I.can_at_fly.com)
Date: 12/20/04 

Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 09:54:33 +1100

<junk@merhet.com> wrote in message
news:1103575320.306969.46990@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> setup MS Small busines server 2000 running on a HP server
> platform(Windows 2000 server with exchange) in network with XP
> workstations. - All members of AD domain.
> We changed the UPS and noticed the time on the server and workstations
> (time syncronised to the server) started to increase by nearly 10 mins
> per day!
>
> I can only sumise the server is taking its time source from the mains
> frequency of the UPS which is not accurate. I would have thought it
> would have used the internal quartz clock on the motherboard for time.
> Also noticed that if we re-boot the server, the time rectifies itself,
> as though it has a background clock running from the quartz clock, and
> updates itself upon reboot.
> i would be grateful for any clarification on this. A solution to fix
> the problem would be truly wonderful.
>

Your assumption is incorrect: The mains supply is not used as a time
source for the internal clock.

You should now do some basic diagnostics:
- Reboot the machine, get into the BIOS and leave it there for
   one hour. If your assumption was correct then the clock should
   gain about 25 seconds. I bet that it does not!
- Disconnect the machine from any network and modem, then
   boot it up into Windows and watch the time for one hour. If
   it remains correct then your problem is caused by outside interference
   (e.g. by an external time source). If the clock gains time then
   you have a problem with Windows.

Relevant Pages

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