[TUT] Set the BIOS clock back in VirtualBox

[pr0gram the pr0grammer]

VirtualBox doesn't have great support for changing the BIOS date, but you can set a time offset. While the clock in VirtualBox still synchronises with the host system clock, the clock will be delayed by a certain number of milliseconds. You can use this to set the BIOS clock back a few years, so you can install betas. I tested this with a timebombed Whistler build and it worked fine.

To do this, first open up Calculator. Find out how many days it is between now, and the BIOS date you want. For example if you wanted a Whistler build, a date of 1/1/2001 would be okay. Using a calendar or by using this site you can get the number of days. Between today and 1/1/2001, it's 2386 days.

Now, multiply the number of days by 86400000 (which is 24*60*60*1000) to get the number of millseconds between now and the target date.

Fire up Command Prompt, and CD to the folder containing VirtualBox (most likely c:\program files\innotek virtualbox). Now type:

Code: Select all

VBoxManage modifyvm <name> -biossystemtimeoffset -<milliseconds>

Where <name> is the name of the VM, and <milliseconds> is the number of milliseconds.

Example:

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VBoxManage modifyvm "Windows Whistler 2419" -biossystemtimeoffset -206150400000

When you boot the VM, you'll find that your date has been wound back, so you can install your timebomed betas easily.



I know, it should be 2419 in the screenie but I installed 2296 instead, and I used a different time offset.

[sp4rkbr]

Thanks a lot! I was needing it today

[Oerg]

How about VirtualPC, is it possible there, too???

[hounsell]

How about VirtualPC, is it possible there, too???

yes, i'll do a tutorial on that...

[Luckie]

ou can also do this by editing the XML-file for your VM. Just add this line and edit the value for your matching one:

TimeOffset value="-51926400000"

surround it with the matching XML-Tags.

[Goldy-de-Luminy]

thanks you man

[hero24]

i install whistler without changing date/offset on my vmware

[Rob Jansen]

even if the above post is somewhat beyond 90-days (the post above the last one) I want to still ask a question:

is there any otherway to set the bios date then this?
Also does it remember the BIOS date everytime the VM starts or reboots?

[DBlake]

On a freshly-created VM, do the following:
1. Download the Batch File from the first post in this post.
2. Run it and follow onscreen instructions.
3. Get an MS-DOS Boot Disk (has to be one with the "date" command), mount it in the VM.
4. Start up the VM, let DOS boot up.
5. At the command prompt type in "date MM/DD/YYYY" (no quotes, Example: 09/21/1999).
6. Shut down the VM, and unmount the floppy image.
7. Done!

[Rob Jansen]

I know I have not responded to this thread, but this still works with the current Sun VirtualBox 3.0.6, the way the OP posted.

If it is ok with the OP I want to include this in the Microsoft Collection Book (Version 7.1).

[Patrick]

Thanks. I got IP Banned from the VirtualBox fourms by asking .

Offtopic Comment

200th post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Suumpmolk]

as stupid as method is
for Longhorn, i simply pushed date back in Host machine
after that VirtualBox will just sync to it

when Guest OS is paused or turned off, i just revert date back to normal

(sorry for bump)

[Patrick]

as stupid as method is
for Longhorn, i simply pushed date back in Host machine
after that VirtualBox will just sync to it

when Guest OS is paused or turned off, i just revert date back to normal

(sorry for bump)

True, true

I do that too for installing 4074

Offtopic Comment

You can bump a sticky

[pokeboy3124]

I did VboxManage modifyvm "Windows Whistler Build 2428" --biossystemtimeoffset -99999999999999999999 and it's not working. it won't install. help me.

[Patrick]

I did VboxManage modifyvm "Windows Whistler Build 2428" --biossystemtimeoffset -99999999999999999999 and it's not working. it won't install. help me.

O_O

What the f------

Thats too large of a offset

You must use 206150400000

[Rob Jansen]

You need to calculate the dates between now and the date that it needs.
Using the format in the FIRST post to calculate and enter it.

[hb860]

I made a tool what allows you easy calculate the date offset. It is Date offset calculator.
Here is screeny:


Enter two dates and use milliseconds value with VBoxManage.exe, for example:

Code: Select all

VBoxManage.exe modifyvm WindowsXP --biossystemtimeoffset -207273600000

As you can see, this software also provides the offset in days, minutes, hours and seconds.

Download here

Enjoy.

[Saul]

Which date layout does it use?

[hb860]

I hope it use your local system layout

[GuyWithTheDuelDisk]

Thanks. I got IP Banned from the VirtualBox fourms by asking .

Offtopic Comment

200th post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ouch That Sucks You Got Banned. I Got Banned From Them Too For Asking. >:P

[GuyWithTheDuelDisk]

There Is An Easier Way To Set Your Clock Back To Install Your Beta Onto Any Virtual Machine.

1) Go To Your Date + Time Management In Control Panel
2) Set Your Date To Whatever You Want To Install A Specific Beta (Ex: Whistler 2419: Jan 31, 2001)
3) Click Apply, Then Ok
4) Install Your Beta.

That's It, You're Ready To Go!
Why I Posted This? Because When You Set Your BIOS On Your VM, It Reverts Back To Your Time In The Taskbar.

Any Questions Or Comments Can Be PM'ed To Me.

[Suumpmolk]

or you could learn to read posts in this thread

don't think people need to PM you for that either

[Tukjedude]

Thnx for this tutorial i was looking for this

There Is An Easier Way To Set Your Clock Back To Install Your Beta Onto Any Virtual Machine.

1) Go To Your Date + Time Management In Control Panel
2) Set Your Date To Whatever You Want To Install A Specific Beta (Ex: Whistler 2419: Jan 31, 2001)
3) Click Apply, Then Ok
4) Install Your Beta.

That's It, You're Ready To Go!
Why I Posted This? Because When You Set Your BIOS On Your VM, It Reverts Back To Your Time In The Taskbar.

Any Questions Or Comments Can Be PM'ed To Me.

OMG That is impossible because when you set it on a diffrent time it doesn't apply on a other virtual machine...!

[Beta Guy]

OMG That is impossible because when you set it on a diffrent time it doesn't apply on a other virtual machine...!

What GuyWithTheDuelDisk said is true, if you set your real machine to the date valid for the beta installation, then start vpc [or the likes], vpc will
sync it's time with the machines current time.
Though the way the OP posted in the first post is a far neater trick, & saves for when you forget to turn your main machines time forward again.

[Saul]

Shame, this method doesn't work in the latest release :/