A user reports that the clock on their Windows PC is several hours off every time they turn it on in the morning. They have tried manually correcting the time, but the issue reappears the next day. This time inaccuracy is preventing them from accessing certain network resources. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this issue?
Persistent time drift, especially after a computer has been powered off, is a classic symptom of a failing or dead CMOS battery. The CMOS battery powers the real-time clock (RTC) on the motherboard, which maintains the time when the system is off. When the battery fails, the clock resets or drifts significantly. While incorrect NTP settings can cause time drift, this typically occurs while the OS is running and connected to the network. Manually setting the time is only a temporary fix if the underlying hardware issue is not addressed.
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What causes time drift in a computer system?
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What is NTP and how does it work?
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How can I manually correct the system clock on my PC?