Weird problem with laptop. - Clock problem

[Steve202]

I'd go with the cmos battery as well. I've seen some weird issues due to the battery.

[FoolishTech]

I'm not sure if it is still the case, but back in the day motherboards had a visible crystal oscillator which was responsible for keeping the time for the BIOS. I'd bet they still use this method I'd just bet it is tiny and looks like any other IC.

Point being, sometimes the crystal was not cut to the right frequency and it caused the BIOS to lose time, gradually over time. In fact I believe that all gradually lose or gain time depending on the frequency discrepancies, just some more-so than others. There was no "fix" unless you soldered on a new crystal or just replaced the motherboard.

Google something like "motherboard crystal time loss" for more in-depth info.

Granted, I guess it still could be your CMOS battery, of which I agree you DO in fact have one on all motherboards and it's worth a shot in replacing this if possible.

Just some food for thought, it may be something your client just has to live with.

[NYJimbo]

Originally Posted by FoolishTech

I'm not sure if it is still the case, but back in the day motherboards had a visible crystal oscillator which was responsible for keeping the time for the BIOS. I'd bet they still use this method I'd just bet it is tiny and looks like any other IC.

I think its some kind of trickle-charge timekeeping chip, likely a 8 pin sop so it probably looks like all the other mosfets and stuff of that package type.

[phaZed]

Originally Posted by FoolishTech

I'm not sure if it is still the case, but back in the day motherboards had a visible crystal oscillator which was responsible for keeping the time for the BIOS. I'd bet they still use this method I'd just bet it is tiny and looks like any other IC.

Your correct sir.. and in many cases is is still not an IC, but rather a tiny silver colored can about 1/4 inch long and 1/16 inch diameter with two leads. Not much has changed in the time-department for 20 years.

[Jamie]

Originally Posted by roborobs computer repair

That is a fairly old machine - this laptop is a Toshiba Satelite that is about 3 years old.

CQ60 range was about the same

[jaydeee]

I also think it is a battery issue.
Guess it is easy than other options.

[ComputerRepairTech]

No solution to add that wasn't already said but if you end up not being able to resolve the issue and want good time sync software I use to use: http://www.thinkman.com/dimension4/index.htm

[Craka]

Like others have stated, I'd be backing the CMOS battery needs replacing.