220-1101 Question 397
Single answerInaccurate system date/timeA user reports that their desktop PC shows the wrong date and time every morning, even after IT manually corrects it in Windows. The system is not joined to a domain, and the time zone is set correctly. The PC keeps time normally while powered on, but after being shut down overnight, the clock resets to a date several years in the past. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
- A
The CMOS/RTC battery on the motherboard is failing
- B
The Windows Time service is disabled
- C
The NIC driver is outdated and not syncing with internet time servers
- D
The monitor's internal clock is out of calibration
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
This scenario tests recognition of a common hardware-related cause of inaccurate system date/time: a failing CMOS/RTC battery. On PCs, the real-time clock on the motherboard depends on this battery to preserve date, time, and certain firmware settings while the system is powered off. If the clock is accurate during operation but resets after shutdown, replacing the CMOS battery is the standard first step. By contrast, operating system time-sync issues, such as problems with the Windows Time service or NTP synchronization, typically affect clock accuracy while the system is running and connected, not retention of time across power loss. This aligns with standard PC troubleshooting practices documented by motherboard and system manufacturers, as well as Microsoft guidance distinguishing hardware clock retention from Windows time synchronization behavior.
- A. Correct.
Correct. If the computer loses date and time information after being powered off, the most likely cause is a failing CMOS/RTC battery. This battery powers the real-time clock and retains BIOS/UEFI settings when the system is unplugged or shut down. A reset to a very old date after losing power is a classic symptom.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. If the Windows Time service were disabled, the PC might fail to synchronize time with external time sources while running, but that would not normally cause the clock to reset to a date years in the past specifically after shutdown. The scenario says the system keeps time normally while powered on, which points away from this service.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Network adapter drivers do not control whether the system retains time while powered off. An outdated NIC driver could affect network connectivity, which might interfere with online time synchronization, but it would not cause the hardware clock to reset overnight to a much older date.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. The monitor does not maintain the computer's system clock. A monitor may display what the operating system sends to it, but it has no role in storing the PC's date and time settings. This option reflects a misunderstanding between display hardware and motherboard clock functions.