Microsoft KB Archive/171790

= Time Incorrect After Restarting Multiprocessor System =

Article ID: 171790

Article Last Modified on 11/1/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition
 * Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
 * Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Developer Edition
 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q171790



SYMPTOMS
On a multiprocessor computer, if you synchronize the system time to an external time source using the Date/Time tool in Control Panel, and then restart your system, the system time will be slow by four to five seconds for every processor after the first processor.

Example:

If you set the time on a 4-processor system, the system time will be 12-15 seconds slow (3 x 4-5 seconds). Note that the time loss is not cumulative; the system will still be slow by the same amount after another restart unless the time is changed again.



CAUSE
During system initialization, the system starts by using only one processor. The system time is retrieved from the system Real Time Clock (RTC) and loaded into the system clock. Later in the initialization process, the system clock timer is halted for four to five seconds while each additional processor is configured. This halting causes a time slip from the RTC value. When the time is written, it is written to both the system clock and to the RTC.



RESOLUTION
To work around this problem, perform one of the following:
 * Synchronize the system time with an external source and restart. Determine how much time the system lost during startup, and set the system time fast by this amount. After a restart, the time should be correct. You will need to repeat this procedure every time the system time is set.
 * Run the time service provided in the resource kit. This will keep a group of servers in sync with each other.

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0 or Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

152734 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack



STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. This problem was first corrected in Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4.0 and Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 4.

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 3.51. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

Keywords: kbhotfixserver kbqfe kbbug kbenv kbfix KB171790

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