I keep getting a message that my clock isn't set properly.

[Isis Lyre]

I sometimes get a message about my clock not being set properly.  This sometimes delays entry into SL and, for the first time, delayed a currency transaction.  How do I fix this?

[Rolig Loon]

The full error reads:

Unable to connect to Second Life.Often this means that your computer's clock is set incorrectly.Please go to Control Panels and make sure the time and dateare set correctly.

This message refers to time-based sensitivities with security certificates but normally isn't a problem, as you can test for yourself by deliberately setting your computer to the wrong time and trying to login. It should work.  Be sure that you check the YEAR on your clock as well as the Month, Day, and Time.  If your CMOS battery is failing, one of the few symptoms will be an incorrect year in your computer's clock.  If resetting the year correctly solves the error, then consider changing that battery.

If you're absolutely certain your time is set correctly, you haven't changed your system setup, and Second Life was working fine moments before, it's likely a transient problem with our servers. Check the Grid Status Reports page for news and try to login periodically. If you continue to get this message after logins are again working reliably for other Residents, contact Support.

[Baloo Uriza]

Unlike your wall clock, your computer's clock is also time-zone and date dependent.  Make sure the time, date and timezone are set accurately.  Your BIOS clock should be set to your local time and date for Windows only, the time and date for UTC or any other operating system.

[Baron Saxondale]

My time setting is as it should be, i have gone in and double checked it.. I crashed bad on site and when i went to log back in i started getting this error message. " the certificate returned by the grid appears to be expired " which does not help me 1 bit, as i said my clock settings are correct. Any bright ideas Linden labs?

[Rolig Loon]

We are not Linden Lab. We are all SL residents like you. Lindens never come to this resident-to-resident Answer service. Please read the answers that we gave to the OP, above. Triple check the YEAR and the TIME ZONE of your clock to be sure that they are set correctly. If they are, and you still get an error, submit a support ticket, if you are a Premium member.

[Baloo Uriza]

I'd be happy to get on teamviewer or Google Hangouts and see if I can't spot the problem for you. Email me at baloo@ursamundi.org if you're interested.