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
    2015-05-22T11:42:36+00:00

    i basically get this every single time i make my surface sleep ... i dont think it is actually sleeping, or wakes up and instead runs the batteries out ... am basing that guess on my win 7 alienwares love of turning itself on again to have what i like to call a thermal-damage-bag-sauna :(

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-05-22T13:28:42+00:00

    My issue was actually different.. my new surface pro started racing ahead on time...  even a restart would add about 40 minutes to the clock time.  It was determined to be faulty hardware (only a couple months old) - but thankfully I have a very good relationship with the local bestbuy and I bought an extended warranty.

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-05-24T01:28:12+00:00

    There is a capacitor, but it is apparently shoddy and dies frequently.

    Try this workaround:

    1. Type "schedule tasks" in search field of the windows start screen or via the charms menu and open it.
    2. Expand - Task Scheduler Library > Microsft > Windows and you'll see - Time Synchronization, almost at the bottom of this list.
    3. Double-click the task "SynchronizeTime" and go to the "triggers" tab.
    4. Click "New..."
    5. You will see a drop-down list next to the text that says "Begin the task:" at the top of the window. Select the option "At Startup" and click "OK" to save and close the trigger. You will now see your new trigger on the list within the task. Click "OK" to close the task.
    6. Close the task scheduler.

    The system time SHOULD sync up at boot now and roughly fix this issue. There may be a delay while your machine connects to a network. Time sync may not work if your clock is off by a significant variance from the server.

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