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
    2014-08-17T16:23:02+00:00

    Thank you for such a complete answer!

    Unfortunately, what I need to know is whether or not the SP3 has an internal battery specific to the clock. I know how to set the time when I find it is wrong, but I have not seen this behavior before in a PC. When the main batter of a PC dies the internal battery of the clock keeps the clock in sync even when it is not on the network.

    I do not have the SP3 connected to the Internet in order to conserve power. Is the SP3 always assumed to be on the network?

    To address your questions:

    • yes, I have all the latest Windows updates (I get on the network about once a week)
    • yes, when I find the time is wrong due to the main battery dying, and my not turning it on for a day or so, I am able to fix it by manually updating the time
    • I do not sync, or even use, One Drive
    • I do not have or use any other Win 8.x devices on the Surface (in fact, it is the only Windows 8.x device I have)
    • while I have Sync with an Internet Server checked I am not on the network enough for that to mean anything

    My problem is not the software or the hardware, but the possibility that the internal clock does not have its own power source.

    So: does the SP3 have a separate battery for the internal clock? If it doesn't then I will always have this problem, but at least I know that this is expected.

    Thanks!

    Carlos

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