Windows Time Server Configuration 2

[stevenriz]

Hi, is there an easy configuration on Server 2003 to have it keep the time throughout the domain, other servers, clients, etc? I have done it but don't wnat to go through the zillion registry mods... or am I just looking for a very easy way to do it..? yes. Has it been simplefied in 2k3?? All I want is the domain servers and clients be synced with the domain controller or some other controller... easily...

 

[SuperJenks]

You may be able to sync it to a router which would be easier than 2003 to set up. What router do you have? Cisco?

 

[dparrott]

Using Group Policy, you can set Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/System/Windows Time Service/Time Providers.

You should be able to set it to sync there. We are using our DC, which checks with an outside service. It works fine for us, and the computers are all set to the same time.

 

[stevenriz]

no routers... just a sonicwall firewall... it is being replaced with an ASA though and not soon enough...

 

[58sniper]

As in Windows 2000, there is nothing to configure anywhere except on the Domain Controller holding the PDC emulator FSMO role.

You sync that server up to an external time source, and the rest is automatic throughout your domain. You can use something like:

net time /setsntp:tock.usno.navy.mil

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP

 

[Cstorms]

Just an FYI by default when machines are joined to a domain they are automatically setup to sync their time with the PDC FSMO role holder (probably the first DC you promoted), you would at the server level setup an NTP server that you want to sync with.

Cory

 

[Cstorms]

dangit Pat.. we spend to much time on this forum sorry bout the redundant post.

Cory

 

[stevenriz]

so from the DC/FSMO role holder, I could

net time /setsntp:tock.usno.navy.mil

and away we go?

 

[58sniper]

That should do it. There is a whitepaper on time sync, but in a nut shell, setting the PDCe to get time from an external source will begin the whole process. It might take some time (no pun intended) before all machines are in sync.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP

 

[stevenriz]

Thanks!! I am wondering a couple of other things. I know you are telling me that time will sync through the servers and to the workstations but.. I was made aware of a piece of software that stops working when the workstations are over 30secs off from the server they are working on. It is an engineering program that will not check in files/data when the WS and its server are out of sync over 30secs. would a schduled sync of the PDC to an external source AND a scheduled sync of the other servers to the PDC be in order? Or will that not even work the way I am envisioning?

 

[Cstorms]

Typically your computer should stay in sync with no real user interaction, however, if you have an app that you worry about you can script a run of the following..

w32tm /resync

this will send a request to the DC to resync with its clocks.

Cory

 

[stevenriz]

thanks Cory and all of you for your help .... much appreciated!

 

[58sniper]

would a schduled sync of the PDC to an external source AND a scheduled sync of the other servers to the PDC be in order

When you configure an sntp server on the PDCe holder, time sync will happen automatically throughout your domain, on a schedule. There is a white paper at Microsoft that explains it in more detail. Just set the sntp source and leave the rest alone.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP