PC Clock Resets

[DRCallah]

I have just upgraded from the older CM11A to the CM15A.  I have used ActiveHome since the late 80's when it was a simple TV connected unit (which I really miss).  I have an HP Pavilion 740n with XP SP2 and 512 of RAM and rely on the internet for proper security updates and time settings.  I installed the new software (V 3.204) and now every morning when I start my computer the time is resetting itself to some totally random time but keeps the date intact.  I know the old CM11A needed to be unplugged from the computer after programming to prevent clock issues in it but have no idea why the X10 software is resetting my PC Clock.

[Walt2]

...  and now every morning when I start my computer the time is resetting itself to some totally random time but keeps the date intact. 

You have AHP set to automatically start when you boot your PC?   If so, try disabling AHP from doing that, and boot again.  Does the PC's own clock still get messed up?

[DRCallah]

Thanks for responding.  No, AHP doesn't load on start and I have noticed that when I shut down the computer it stays on the date I turn it off and the time sets to around 9:38 PM give or take 15 minutes.  Never heard of such a thing but I'm going to physically unplug the USB cable tonight although I'm really convinced it's in the software.  Any ideas?

[Brian H]

The battery that keeps the time and CMOS Setting in the computer maybe getting weak if the clock stops when you power it down.

[MichaelC]

There's no code in AHP that sets the PC clock, so I think it's very unlikley that AHP is causing the problem.

[Walt2]

The battery that keeps the time and CMOS Setting in the computer maybe getting weak if the clock stops when you power it down.

There is also a "constant on" power from most PC"s power supplies.  That should also keep the RTC running, but of course, that requires one to not be pulling-the-plug on the PC.  In other words, not turning the PC's power-strip off.

[Oldtimer]

The battery that keeps the time and CMOS Setting in the computer maybe getting weak if the clock stops when you power it down.

I agree with Brian H on this one.  Been through the drill many times.

[steven r]

The battery that keeps the time and CMOS Setting in the computer maybe getting weak if the clock stops when you power it down.

I agree with Brian H on this one.  Been through the drill many times.

My money is on the CMOS battery also. I think it's just an Murphy coincidence that it happened now.

[DRCallah]

Well, I did unplug the USB cable to my AHP before I powered down my computer and this AM everything was normal.  My clock was correct.  I never unplug the PC or my power strip so I don't know where Walt2 got that info from.  It's obviously not in the software as nothing with the PC changed overnight but it is now isolated to the AHP.  FYI, I'm a retired IBM engineer and although I may not know something someone else does, I am very computer literate.  Not knowing something is why I came to this forum hoping someone else had this issue and could help diagnose it.  Thanks for everyone's help and if anyone knows what's up with the AHP, let me know.

[steven r]

Well, I did unplug the USB cable to my AHP before I powered down my computer and this AM everything was normal....

Just to clarify...

• When you leave the CM15A plugged in the clock resets?
• By resets it goes back to a particular time?
• How long have you had the CM15A?
• Have you had this problem since day one?

Grasping at straws...

• Could a short to the USB voltage on the computer cause his problem? If so, maybe the cable or unit has a short.
• Just for the heck of it...


• Try a different USB port.
• Try plugging the cable in to your computer with and without the CM15A attached.
• Anyone know how where on the connector to check for voltage?
• If he gets a substantially different reading than someone else maybe that would be enough to convince X10 it was defective.

[teez67f]

Hello DRCallah being a retired IBM engineer means I probably used one of your systems as a kid.Please said with all due respect of course.
I am a little intimidated in giving you PC advice being from IBM and all but even us engineers and technologists sometimes overlook the simplest solutions.
(I'm missing a few courses to complete engineering degree,got good job years ago so put it off many many years)

You began by saying upgrade from CM11 to CM15?
By your tests we can assume it is X-10 related problem.Either new soft install or install bringing up old hidden cm11 related soft/drivers?
Have you tried un-installing all X-10 software and drivers but leaving CM15A plugged in on shutdown?
Is it possible that somehow there is an old CM11 related driver or code that was not removed?
When you're PC time resets is your BIOS settings affected as well?
I am convinced it is X-10 but whether AHP (since clock is fine if USB unplugged) is responsible is 50-50?
If and I am sure you have done this already,cleaned out all CM11 drivers and software then the problem lies between your USB and CM15A itself.
Possibly have a Defective USB cable or CM15A or maybe (X-10 makes this a valid question) both are defective.

I'm pushing for a defective CM15A more than the cable.Try a cable known to work on your PC (same type if possible).
All i can say is try uninstalling AHP drivers and software.Run something like ccleaner for issues and then re-install.
If it still does it ask for RMA or if you do not wish to go through above remove-install than request RMA.

Hope you resolve your issues quickly without to much aggravation(if that is at all possible with X-10).
Good Luck and please if you do find the problem let us know.It would be helpful to others I am sure.

[teez67f]

See what I mean by overlooking some simple steps.
I forgot the first step in a problem is simple troubleshooting before destruction.
Before doing anything have you tried to keep everything hooked up and once you shut down.
Turn the computer back on but go into windows in Safe mode and see if PC clock resets itself?

If clock resets than it is hardware related to CM15A if clock does not reset itself and PC time is correct,
this means it is a software/driver problem at startup much more logical possibility than hardware related in this eventuality.

I'm not sure if i clearly explained myself .. I seem to confuse myself as well as others sometimes.

If this has already been attempted than RMA is only way to be sure.

[steven r]

...When you're PC time resets is your BIOS settings affected as well?...

Good point. That could serve as a clue.

...Try a cable known to work on your PC...

I think it's a standard cable. It's not easy for me to get to my CM15A but I think the cable is a standard USB printer cable. You could try borrowing your printer cable for testing.

...Good Luck and please if you do find the problem let us know.It would be helpful to others I am sure.

Hopefully no one else will ever have the problem you're having but I'm also curious as to what the problem is.

[DRCallah]

It i9s definitely a problem with the AHP.  I kept the USB unplugged from the AHP for several days and clock works fine and doesn't require resetting.  A simple Resart with it plugged in doesn't effect it but if I shut down the PC with it plugged in it retains the time I shut it down when I turn the computer back on.  The only software and drivers still on the system are for the AHP and it's Version 3.204.  I've switched USB cables and tried different USB ports as I have both the originally installed USB as well as additional USB on a PCI card and it doesn't seem to make any difference.  My next step is to contact Customer Service and go from there.  Thanks everyone.

[Walt2]

It i9s definitely a problem with the AHP.  I kept the USB unplugged from the AHP for several days and clock works fine and doesn't require resetting. 

Just to help keep the terms being used here correct....

AHP is the software that installs/runs on your PC.

The CM15A is the hardware that plugs into the wall outlet.  The CM15A also connects up to your PC thru a USB cable.