Hoax Warnings


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Y2K Computer Clock Bug Fix chain letter

There is a chain letter about a quick Y2K fix. The proposed modification of the system date format might work for some programs, but for the majority of applications that rely on short format of the system date (i.e. not Y2k compatible applications), this modification will not change anything and these programs would determine the system date incorrectly in any case.

It is evident that it is impossible to make a computer Y2K compliant by just modifying some settings in Windows - specific software patches and - in some cases - even a hardware Flash Bios upgrade might be needed.

Here is what the chain letter looks like:

 Hey all,
 If you haven't heard of this, you need to do it.  It is simple
 and quick. Send it to everyone else you know.

 Best regards, Bill Snyder-Computer Guru
 Y2K Computer Clock Bug Fix

 I received this and checked my computer and found it to be set
 up to fail.  I recommend  you check and fix your computers.  If
 you are running Windows, this is a fix for a small Y2K problem
 almost everyone should do.  After running this quick little
 test, much to my surprise, I learned that my computer would have
 failed on 01-01-2000 due to a computer clock glitch.

 Fortunately, a quick fix is provided, should your computer fail
 the test.  I submit the following for your consideration:

 TEST
 1.  Double click on "My Computer".
 2.  Double click on "Control Panel".
 3.  Double click on "Regional Settings" icon.
 4.  Click on the "Date" tab at the top of the page.
 5.  Where it says, "Short Date Sample", look and see if it shows
     a "two digit" year.   Of course it does. That's the default
     setting for Windows 95, Windows 98 and NT.  This date RIGHT
     HERE is the date that feeds application software and WILL
     NOT rollover in the year 2000.  It will roll over to 00.

 NOW TO FIX IT :
 6.  Click the drop-down arrow to the right of "Short Date Style"
 7.  Select the option mm/dd/yyyy.  (Be sure your selection has
     four Y's, not two)
 8.  Click "OK"

 Easy enough to fix. However, every single installation of
 Windows worldwide is defaulted to fail Y2K rollover. Makes you
 wonder. Please feel free to pass this on to your friends and
 associates.

You may perform the modification described above if you feel it might help in some cases. But please do not forward this chain letter any further.