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System clock misbehaviour = Problem with motherboard?

Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 6:00 am
by chetan
Hi all
The system clock of my thinkpad (details in signature) was found running slow on two occasions.
Yesterday:
1. After putting it on in the morning, date time showed something like 05 Aug 2005 05:15 (the machine was in hibernation overnight)
2. Late night it was slow by about 30 minutes. It had run continuosly for about 8 hours following CMOS battery replacement.
This morning, the date and time were found correct.
Talked to the people who replaced the CMOS battery. They suspect the motherboard (may need replacement).
I would like to understand if such problems may need the suggested remedy. I still do not have confirmed repitition of the problem as I did short duration shutdowns a couple of times today to check. It looks fine so far (the next major shutdown would be tonight).
Need to get ready for a major surgery?
Regards,
Chetan

Re: System clock misbehaviour = Problem with motherboard?

Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 10:45 am
by RealBlackStuff
The new CMOS could also be bad. Check the contacts on the battery, is it a self-made one, or an official IBM/Lenovo one?
In Windows, you can get an automatic update of your Date/Time by checking the box in the "Internet Time"

Re: System clock misbehaviour = Problem with motherboard?

Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 10:48 am
by sktn77a
CMOS batteries usually last ~5 years. If you just had the CMOS battery replaced, I'd give it another day. Sounds like it may be behaving itself now. If you continue to have problems, I'd try another CMOS battery before messing with the motherboard.