Hello. First time posting here... I have an old Compaq Presario 5000 sitting at home. I once popped the battery out to reset the clock. I pushed the power on button for 30 seconds, left the computer a day, and put the battery back in. When I fired up the computer I was shocked to find that the computer kept perfect time!!!!!!!! Why is it doing this? I thought that there was only one battery, and as soon as it was pulled the clock would stop... I've googled it, but no luck.
Welcome to HWF The battery has no effect on the time. Windows automatically sets your time through 2 steps when booting your PC: Time Zone configuration and Time Synchronization from time.windows.com
Well, that particular computer isn't on the intenet. Somebody once told me that the BIOS battery helped keep time...
The CMOS battery does keep time actually, sorry for misleading you. I was confused with another type of battery. To reset your clock: Gain access to the clocks settings. You must first open Microsoft's Date and Time Properties. To do this click on the “Start” button and then select “Control Panel.” When the Control Panel opens, click on the “Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options” icon (you may have to double-click to open it). Click on “Date and Time” or select “Change the date and time” under the “Pick a task…” area. This opens the Microsoft's Date and Time Properties. See Tips below for another way to access them. You will see a calendar showing the month and year and also a clock displaying the time both in visual form and written numbers. You can change any of the number settings by highlighting them and then typing in the correct number or by using the up or down arrows to change it (after it is highlighted). You will visibly see the actual clock shown, stop and reset to the new time. It will not begin again until you click on the “Apply” button. -How to Reset a Computer Clock with Microsoft | eHow.com
Yeah. but that will only reset the time, right? I wanted something to reset an individual program that somehow keeps it's own time. I had a 30 day evaluation period, but only used my computer for a week. Then I had computer probs. with my hard drive that I later resolved, but never managed to finish the trial. When I reinstall the program (PE Explorer) it claims that my evaluation period is up still. Is it stored in the regestry or something? That's why I wanted to reset everything in the computer that keeps time. I have a bit of a prject on the burner, but need that program to finish the job!
Mildly unrelated, but what does that reset switch beside the battery do? I'm too afraid to press it for fear I will lose my stuff again.:O This is also the inside of the computer I want to reset the timers in. I popped the big battery out for a day.
You'd have to look at the particular manual. It probably is the Clear CMOS jumper, but it could also be the reset switch jumper for the front panel connector.
I myself could never pinpoint how programs keep track of time periods. Older programs would use the actual time and date. Now its all more sophisticated. It could be info stored in the registry or a hidden file. The chances of you finding either are small. Your best choice would be to crack it or purchase it. Send me the program and its version, i'll see what i can do
