System clock is incorrect

Hello,


I unplug my Mac mini every nite for security reasons, and have been for over a year.


Recently...perhaps since updating to Ventura OS...I've noticed for the past three mornings that not only is my system clock and date incorrect (set to December 31, 1969) but that my network will not automatically look for WiFi.


I'm offline until I reset my system clock.


I read somewhere that if "a Mac hasn't connected to an Apple server for a while" then...



I was wondering if anyone else had this issue.


Thank you.


Sincerely,


Mac user since 2017

Mac mini, macOS 13.2

Posted on Apr 15, 2023 9:19 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 15, 2023 10:17 AM

Sometimes an update/upgrade will reset some system settings. Try the following as needed:


1 - Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support (for Intel Macs) and Mac startup key combinations - Apple Support (for both types)


2 - boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


You don't need to unplug the Mini each night. Just shutting it down is sufficient. And if you're behind a router you have even more security on or off.


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2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 15, 2023 10:17 AM in response to jpeek345

Sometimes an update/upgrade will reset some system settings. Try the following as needed:


1 - Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support (for Intel Macs) and Mac startup key combinations - Apple Support (for both types)


2 - boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


You don't need to unplug the Mini each night. Just shutting it down is sufficient. And if you're behind a router you have even more security on or off.


Apr 15, 2023 10:41 AM in response to jpeek345

To confer with Old Toad's notes, unplugging the mini is completely unnecessary. That is not any kind of security measure. Powering the mini down is all you need to do to prevent anyone from doing anything to it.


That said, the one thing that is happening when unplugged is the mini can't use a trickle of energy to keep the onboard clock running. Which means the backup battery is dead and can't keep the clock running when it isn't plugged in. Hence the clock resets to the earliest date the firmware is set to recognize.

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System clock is incorrect

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