Surface Pro 3: Internal clock stops when the battery dies

Anonymous
2014-08-16T13:54:40+00:00

Is there a separate internal battery for the internal clock in the SP3 running Windows 8.1? When the unit runs out of battery power and I don't notice (for example, the battery completely drains while in standby) when I plug the unit back in the clock still reads from when I last used it rather than the current time.

Is that normal?

Thanks!

Carlos

Surface | Surface Pro | Power and battery

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Anonymous
2014-08-21T00:05:49+00:00

Hi Carlos & Woodg,

I appreciate your comments and I can certainly understand the confusion. Please let me clarify my previous comment:

The Surface Pro 3 includes built-in functionality to prevent incorrect system times when the main battery is depleted.  If the troubleshooting I provided on Aug 16, 2014 fails to address the system time inconsistencies, please reach out to our Surface Assisted Support.

Any other questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to visit the Community!

Best Wishes,

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Anonymous
2014-08-17T02:45:05+00:00

Hi Carlos,

On behalf of the Microsoft Community, we thank you for taking the time to reach out and consult this issue. I gather from your post that after an unexpected shutdown the clock on your Surface Pro 3 won’t update automatically as it should. This is indeed irregular behavior, and as such, I understand your concern. I will do my best to help and clarify your doubts!

Please check the following:

  • Do you have all and latest Windows updates installed? This is very important, Please verify you do.
  • Does a full shut down and start allow the clock to return to accurate local time?  Have you tried adjusting the time manually?
  • What happens if you do not set the time to set automatically?  Does your manual correction of the time stay set?
  • Swipe for Charms> Settings> Change PC settings> Time and language> Date and time> Set time automatically> Off
  • Do you use any other Windows 8.x devices with the Microsoft account associated to Surface?
  • Try un-syncing the OneDrive settings: Swipe for Charms> Settings> Change PC settings> OneDrive> Sync settings> Sync your settings on this PC> Off

Additionally, please make sure that you have checked the box next to: "Synchronize with an Internet time server". Here is how:

  1. From the Desktop menu select the time and date at the bottom right corner.
  2. Tap on Change date and time settings...
  3. Select the "Internet Time" tab.
  4. Select Change Settings.
  5. Check the box next to "Synchronize with an Internet time server".
  6. Select Update now.
  7. Then select OK and OK.
  8. You can also try a different server by synchronizing it with the time.nist.gov server (instead of time.windows.com) and then select****Update now.
  • As a last step, try holding down the "Volume UP" and the "Power Button" at the same time for about 15 to 20 seconds.  It should do a reboot and if no activity, release and 'click' the power button one time.

If the issue persists after the previous steps, please consider performing a Refresh as shown in the article below:

We hope these steps prove useful! Keep us posted!

We are always here to help!

Best Wishes,

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-04-30T16:49:42+00:00

    Hi SCGeordie,

    Thank you for sharing your experience in the community. Based on your description, we will suggest reaching out to our business support. They are the best resource to help you determine the root cause in a business environment.

    Best regards,

    Clare

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-04-29T18:06:57+00:00

    I have 7 senior execs I support who each have Surface Pro 3's, just heard from the VP that the date and time go wrong on his Surface approximately every 2 days.

    Just started a reimage on one and found the date had jumped back one week.

    Speaking with a colleague at another office and she had been checking regularly on a Surface Pro 3 and found the date/time would change even though power was never lost. She also just pointed out that we have received multiple units where the date/time have been wrong straight out of the box!

    I have found MS support for hardware issues (including a dropped Surface with a cracked screen) to be excellent with 2 units replaced under warranty so far, however MS' response to this issue is sadly very poor. Using the Surface Pro 3 in an AD domain is extremely frustrating as, when date/time are wrong, access to the domain will be blocked.

    Our company currently has 88 Surface Pro's and that number is set to rise dramatically as it becomes available to more users, if this issue is not resolved soon I doubt if the Surface will remain on our list of "approved devices".

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-04-23T14:40:08+00:00

    That makes sense now.  Mine must had a bad cap so time is lost whenever powered off.  I to send it to Microsoft for replacement.

    Is there a separate internal battery for the internal clock in the SP3? When the unit runs out of battery power and I don't notice (for example, the battery completely drains while in standby) when I plug the unit back in the clock still reads from when I last used it rather than the current time.

    Is that normal?

    Thanks!

    Carlos

    Surface doesn't have physical cmos battery. Date&time stored on capacitor that should last around 5~6 month.

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