It is not normal for a computer clock to keep the correct time, nor is it right that you lose as much as said in your post. Try this link to a free atomic clock download. it checks and adjusted your computer clock regular basis.

http://www.philex.net/clock/

I have exactly the same problem. I wish Dell would post a fix...

Another option is to use the W32Time service available in XP. Check out the link below

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q223/1/84.ASP?LN=EN-US&SD=gn&FR=0&qry=q223184&rnk=1&src=DHCS_MSPSS_gn_SRCH&SPR=WINXP

Basically you set a registry value that will go to a NTP (Network Time Protocol) Server and synchronize the clock. I tried this and it does work. The only paramater I changed was the NtpServer one. I added the name of the U.S. Navy server. See the following link for a server in your time zone.

http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/ntp.html

Or if your area doesn't have open access check out this link

http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~mills/ntp/servers.html

Try right clicking on the clock. Choose adjust date/time. Click on the internet time tab. Clear the box that says automaticaly syncronize with an internet time server.

I think you will find your clock will be a lot more accurate. Also, download Atomic clock so you can ping for the correct time if you want to be super accurate.

                                                 highlandbill