How to restore missing time zones in Windows XP

Author: Soumitra Sengupta MVP

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SUMMARY

The time zones are essential to run the computer's clock correctly. In this situation there is only one time zone available in the Time Zone option of the Date and Time Properties box.

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SYMPTOMS

The time zones are essential to run the computer's clock correctly. In this situation there is only one time zone available in the Time Zone option of the Date and Time Properties box.

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CAUSE

This problem happens if a registry key containing time zone information is missing.

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To resolve this problem one has to export the correct registry key from another working computer in which Windows XP is installed, whose time zone has no problem.

1] Log on to another Windows XP machine.
2] Start> Run> Regedit >OK
3] Now navigate to the following key:-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ Time Zones
High light Time Zone, click File and next click Export from the drop down menu. Give a name to the registry file and save it as a .reg file in a floppy or a CD.
4] Close the registry editor and bring out the floppy or the CD.

5] Now log on to the machine in which there is time zone problem.

6] Insert the floppy or the CD in which the Time zone registry key has been exported.

7]Open the registry editor in the same fashion as described in step[2] and navigate to:-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ Time Zones

8]Highlight Time Zone, click File and next click Import from the drop down menu.

9]Navigate to the floppy drive or the CD and locate the Time Zone File and then click on the file.
10]A message should now appear saying you have successfully imported the registry key into the Windows registry.
11]Close the registry editor and reboot.

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MORE INFORMATION

How to back up, edit, and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;322756

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APPLIES TO

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1
Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002

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