SetSystemTime

SetSystemTime is a function in the Windows API used to set the system date and time. It is part of the Kernel32.dll library and is accessible through the Windows API. The function requires administrative privileges to execute, as changing the system time can affect various system processes and applications.

The SetSystemTime function takes a single parameter, a pointer to a SYSTEMTIME structure. This structure contains the new date and time values to be set. The SYSTEMTIME structure includes fields for the year, month, day of the week, day, hour, minute, second, and millisecond.

Upon successful execution, SetSystemTime returns a non-zero value. If the function fails, it returns zero, and the calling application can use the GetLastError function to retrieve the specific error code.

It is important to note that SetSystemTime does not update the hardware clock (CMOS clock). To synchronize the hardware clock with the system time, the SetSystemTime function should be followed by a call to the SetLocalTime function.

SetSystemTime is typically used in scenarios where the system time needs to be adjusted programmatically, such as in time synchronization applications or during system setup and configuration. However, care should be taken when using this function, as incorrect usage can lead to system instability or data corruption.