PCstats Weekly Tech Tips: Triplet of Tweks - DST2007, Restarts and PC Monitoring Tip #1 - Daylight Saving Time Windows Patch: In 2005, the US government mandated the 2007 Daylight Savings Time (DST) changeover to begin three weeks earlier, and extend one week later in the fall. This minor change may or may not cause havoc with computers and network systems that rely upon accurate time stamps if they are unable to self-adjust for the new DST dates. In case your copy of Windows XP has not had the DST patch applied, you're going to want to download the update here: ( https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=66f1420c-df2d-400b-a8a9-ef9061a9a3ca ). note that this requires os validation. alternatively, a patch can be had here ( https://www.intelliadmin.com/daylightsavingnotice.asp?file=daylightsavingfix.exe ) if you don't want to go through OS validation. That patch will ensure that WindowsXP is compatible with the new DST 2007 dates. For Windows Server systems, Microsoft details how to manipulate the registry to accommodate DST 2007 here: ( https://support.microsoft.com/kb/928388 ). tip #2 - ensuring always-on pcs restart after power failures: in offices and soho's around the world there are computers that are always on, dutifully running 24/7x365. But what happens if there's a power failure? A UPS will help ensure downtime is minimized, but if the power outage is long the batteries will eventually run down. Controlled shut downs can be scripted, but how do you make that always-on PC restart once the power is back up? There's a little feature in each computer BIOS that allows the motherboard to sense power, and when it's there, it can be told to power the system up. Go into the BIOS of your computer (press the "Del", "F1", "F2" or "F12" key during the first few seconds of the boot up) and find the "Power Management" options. In that menu look for "Restore On AC Power Loss" and turn it to "On" or "Enable." The wording may be different with your computer or server, but guaranteed that feature is built into all ATX motherboards. Another option you might want to adjust while you're at it can be found under "Standard CMOS Features". There is generally an option to "Halt On" any errors during the boot process, so make sure this is changed to "No Errors". Now the computer will not stop at the POST screen if the keyboard is not connected, for example, waiting for someone to press "F1 to continue".... Tip #3 - Monitoring System Health: If you're having problems with a computer want to know what's going on in the background, the System Event Viewer can be a real life saver. To access it, right click on the "My Computer" icon and go to "Manage", that will open up the "Computer Management" console. In the left hand window follow this path "System Tools" -> "Event Viewer" > then choose "Application" "Security" or "System". Each of the three entries provides a detailed run down on what programs or services experienced problems when loading up. If they are blank, all is well. Let PCSTATS know what you think about this Tech Tip, and be sure to stop by PCSTATS Forums and post your comments or questions. Join the PCSTATS Forums Today @ forum.PCSTATS.com!