If the date on your computer is set to 1963 or earlier, it stops responding if you try to manually sync with the network time server using the Date & Time control panel. The clock date is reset when the battery supplying power to the internal clock drains. This situation is more common on PowerBook computers after they have been without power for several days, although it can happen to any type of computer. When the backup battery drains, the clock is reset to 1/1/1904.
How to Correct
Computer is currently not responding (has crashed)
1. Force quit the Time Synchronizer.
To force quit an appliation press and hold the command-option-esc keys simultaneously.
2. Force quite the Date & Time control panel.
3. Open the Date & Time control panel.
4. Manually set the date.
Computer Date has not Been Syncronized
1. Reset the date before using the network time server.
The
Mac OS 8.6 Update addresses this issue.