--- loncom/homework/lonhomework.pm	2006/06/30 05:10:29	1.255
+++ loncom/homework/lonhomework.pm	2006/06/30 17:42:38	1.256
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # The LearningOnline Network with CAPA
 # The LON-CAPA Homework handler
 #
-# $Id: lonhomework.pm,v 1.255 2006/06/30 05:10:29 albertel Exp $
+# $Id: lonhomework.pm,v 1.256 2006/06/30 17:42:38 albertel Exp $
 #
 # Copyright Michigan State University Board of Trustees
 #
@@ -480,7 +480,11 @@ sub check_access {
 	    if (!$first_access) {
 		$status='NOT_YET_VIEWED';
 		my $due_date = &due_date($id);
-		$datemsg=&seconds_to_human_length($due_date-time);
+		my $seconds_left = $due_date - time;
+		if ($seconds_left > $interval || $due_date eq '') {
+		    $seconds_left = $interval;
+		}
+		$datemsg=&seconds_to_human_length($seconds_left);
 	    }
 	}
     }