Computer losing time

[Crazy 1]

I have a H.P. computer and the clock loses time, about 3 mins per week, what could cause this?
any remedies would be appreciated Thanks

[Bogy]

How old is the computer? One reason could be because computer clocks are not always all that accurate. 3 minutes a week isn't all that bad for a computer. Another would be that the battery is getting older and needs to be replaced.

[gcutler]

Nature of the beast. XP has built in synch with atomic clocks. But you can get this app which will sync non-XP machines with Atomic Clocks avail on internet.

http://www.worldtimeserver.com/atomic-clock/

[The Tophinator]

A common reason for a computer clock timing to go off is the CMOS battery on the motherboard. They are usually a nickel sized battery that are sometimes soldered on. Newer computers sometimes have a chip instead, but if you see one on your MB you might try and replace it.

[CoriBright]

If it's losing time when you turn it off, then it's definitely the CMOS battery. It looks like a small coin on the motherboard and is most often an CR-2032... that's the same battery found in most car remotes, it's a huge $2.50 at your local Pep Boys, AutoZone, CSK, wherever you get your car parts!

A great link on how to replace it:
http://www.monster-hardware.com/articles/cmosbattery.htm

Once you've replaced the battery you may need to reset your BIOS settings if you've changed anything since the PC shipped. HP's are usually F1 to enter the BIOS at startup.

[Crazy 1]

Thanks everyone for the info, My computer is about 4 yrs old, so I suspect it could be the battery, just hate to tear into it since nothing else is wrong with it. The time loss is just kind of irritating.

[Bogy]

Like I said at the beginning, 3 minutes a week is not bad for a computer clock. If you are comfortable opening up your computer it shouldn't be a big deal to change the battery. But if you aren't comfortable opening up your box, don't bother. The battery might go out after four years, but usually go longer. Wait until it doesn't keep time at all. :D

[The Tophinator]

Crazy 1: don't be intimidated. It is very simple to change the battery in most cases. Like the advise above first go into your system BIOS (usually press the DEL key or F1, F2 at bootup, one of the first directions you will see when you turn your computer on. The main thing to write down is the Hard drive settings. everything else should work itself out. Open the case, just a couple of screws and take a look at your motherboard. If you can see the battery you are set. Write down the number they vary but are printed right on it and go to many stores that sell car remotes(Auto Parts), hearing aides (Savon/Ostco/Thrifty) or computer store and get a replacement.
IMO 3 minutes a week is unacceptable. So is 3 minutes a month. I guess it depend on how much a clock watcher you are.

P.S. CoriBright: Good Link.