Wanted: Utility to set CMOS date from Windows

Hi,

I've had a bit of a scout around the web looking for a utility that I can use to set a computer's CMOS date from Windows (ie without rebooting and using F1 to enter the CMOS setting menu system), but without much luck. Does anyone know of such a utility? Failing that, does any clever fella fancy knocking one up for me? It doesn't have to be GUI-based - command-line is fine (in fact preferred).

Cheers,

3g

 

Welcome aboard, are you losing time? If so then the best option is to replace the CMOS battery, only some $5 and almost everyone has them.

 

Hi augiedoggie,

No, not losing time. As I said in my OP, I just want to be able to change the CMOS time from within Windows, ie without entering the CMOS menus at boot-up.

Cheers,

3g

 

Impossible!! Once Windows has loaded. Any reason why you want to try this..

 

Why do you think it is impossible? I use the Atomic Clock Sync app to set my PC's CMOS clock (date + time) from one of the atomic clock services on the internet. I just want an app that does the same thing but allows me to specify the date and time...

 

Sorry, it has nothing to do with BIOS/CMOS time, it's only in Windows. If you want to change time zones or time and date then use the clock icon. The BIOS is pretty well isolated from any OS's influence.

 

If I:

1. boot up my PC, go into the BIOS and set the date/time inaccurately
2. then boot into Windows and run Atomic Clock Sync to correct the date/time
3. then boot again into the BIOS

the CMOS date/time has magically been corrected... Ergo, it is possible to set the CMOS date/time from Windows.

I would also note that both Windows XP and Windows Vista, when using the hibernation function, are able to change the CMOS settings so that you can't boot into the BIOS (XP also - most annoyingly - makes other BIOS changes on my laptop when I use hibernation). In addition, in the past I have updated the BIOS on PCs by running a DOS or Windows programme to flash it. Furthermore, in the past there have been Windows viruses which were able to render a computer brick-like by making malicious changes to the BIOS.

All of the above would seem to refute your assertion that "The BIOS is pretty well isolated from any OS's influence". Which brings me back to my original question: does anyone KNOW of a utility that allows you to set the CMOS date/time from Windows?

3g

 

So no-one knows of such a utility??? This website should be prosecuted under the Trades Description Act :-D

 

Obviously you've got some reason for wanting this, but since changing Windows clock time also changes the CMOS time, can't you just use that? Test it if you are sceptical

 

I will not say that this is your intention.
The only reason that i can think of is to prolong the test period given by some software manufacturers.
There are at least 2 applications i know of that will do this but i am not prepared to post them as i am not sure if they are legal.
If i have unjustly accused you i apologize but as you seem reluctant to say why you want to do this we have to make our own judgment.

 

I've been looking for the same thing to make BIOS backups and changes to remote systems. There certainly are legit reasons for needing such a tool, and as you said it is also certainly and obviously possible from within the OS. I found something over at Computer Hope called CMOS Viewer. It claims to also write back settings to some BIOSes. I haven't fully tested, but so far (XP) it seems pretty good. Use caution!