[ntp:questions] System time changes only on restarting ntpd service and query about iterating through the sources

Richard B. Gilbert rgilbert88 at comcast.net
Sat Sep 8 21:28:19 UTC 2012


On 9/7/2012 11:51 AM, unruh wrote:
> On 2012-09-05, Richard B. Gilbert <rgilbert88 at comcast.net> wrote:
>> On 9/5/2012 7:29 AM, unruh wrote:
>>> On 2012-09-04, Arpith Nayak <arpithnayak at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> Hi all,
>>>> I'm running into this problem.  The system time is set to 1970 after every
>>>
>>> your RTC is broken.
>>>
>>>> system reboot. The first time I enable ntpd it is contacting the ntp source
>>>> and getting the updated time. However it is unable to change the system
>>>
>>> How are you starting ntpd?
>>> What flags?
>>>
>>>> time immediately. Only after I stop the service and start it again does the
>>>> system time get changed. Has anyone else observed this behaviour? Also is
>>>> there any way to iteratively consult the various server addresses given in
>>>> the ntp.conf file?
>>>>
>>>> Regards,
>>>> Arpith
>>
>> On some, or many machines, the hardware clock (time of day) is sustained
>> by a "coin cell" battery when power is off!  Sooner or later this
>> battery must be replaced.  The ones I've encountered used a "CR-2013"
>> coin cell.  If investigation reveals that there is such a cell it will
>> need to be replaced every few years.  Observe the markings
>> on the old battery and find a battery to match it.  If power is seldom
>> off and is restored quickly this battery may last for three to six
>> years! YMMV!!!!
>>
>> As I recall,the last time I needed such a battery, I purchased it for a
>> dollar or two at a nearby drug store.
>>
>> If this does not resolve your problem, seek professional help!
>
> Unfortunately on many systems the batter is welded into the system. It
> is not user replacable. They expect you to throw out the motherboard
> when the battery dies.
>
>
>>

I've never seen such a system.  I hope I never do!  Who 
manufactured/distributed this P.O.S???????




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