Question

how to check NTP server (time server on a server 2003 domain)

Asked by: amanzoor

Hi there
I am running server 2003 ent edition domain (3 major servers).  How do I know which one is running NTP (network time server).  The time on all my machines is always 10 minutes a head, which of course maches with my servers.  I have checked my router 2811 and its time is perfect.
It means my clients (XP professionals) get there time from one of my servers, but which one? Help and how to fix it.
 

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Asked On
2007-03-02 at 07:30:58ID22424075
Tags

server

,

ntp

,

check

,

2003

,

time

Topics

Windows Networking

,

Miscellaneous Networking

Participating Experts
3
Points
500
Comments
7

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Answers

 

by: javajwsPosted on 2007-03-02 at 08:00:19ID: 18641785

It should be setup to get the time from the domain controller.  To see where it's really getting it, on a Windows XP machine:
Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
2. Locate and then click the following registry entry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters\

How to configure an authoritative time server in Windows Server 2003
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/816042/en-us

How to configure an authoritative time server in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314054/

 

by: Fatal_ExceptionPosted on 2007-03-02 at 08:27:49ID: 18642066

Just type in NET TIME at a command shell window..  this will give you the Time Server...

 

by: amanzoorPosted on 2007-03-02 at 12:04:39ID: 18643834

Thanks Guys:
On my XP clients the values are as under:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters\
has NTPServer=time.windows.com,0x1.  I would like to change it to my domain controller
while if I issue the command net time i get:
the name of my domain controller which I do not like it to be an NTP server .  How to change it.
Help plz

 

by: Fatal_ExceptionPosted on 2007-03-02 at 12:26:37ID: 18644034

You say:   "I would like to change it to my domain controller
while if I issue the command net time i get:
the name of my domain controller which I do not like it to be an NTP server ."

So, do you want to use the DC as the Time server, or do you not want to use it as your Time Server?

What do you wish to use?  To configure a NTP server, follow the link provided by java...  

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/816042/en-us

 

by: oBdAPosted on 2007-03-02 at 15:32:46ID: 18645212

The time hierarchy in an AD domain is as follows (there's nothing you need to configure manually, except the PDC emulator):
* The DC owning the PDC emulator role is the (only) one that should be set to synchronize with a reliable time source.
* Other DCs synchronize their time with the PDC emulator.
* Domain members synchronize their time with the DC authenticating them.
So make sure the time on your PDC emulator is correct, and the rest should follow.
If your router is running NTP, you can just configure the PDC to synchronize with it:
Open a command prompt, enter
net time /setsntp:IP.Of.Your.Router
net stop w32time
net start w32time
After a short while, you should find an entry in the event log that it's now synchronizing the time with your router.

Basic Operation of the Windows Time Service
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=224799

 

by: amanzoorPosted on 2007-03-05 at 13:35:16ID: 18657605

Thanks Guys:
SOrry for the late reply I was sick:
Fatal Exception:
SOrry for the confusion.  I have three Domain Controllers running server 2003 ent edition on all of them.  Net time command gives me the name of my domain controller which exists on other part of my domain (different location, subdomain),  I want NTP to be from one of the servers from my location.
oBdA:
I will try it and let you know.
once again thanks guys for your precious time.

 

by: Fatal_ExceptionPosted on 2007-03-05 at 16:50:12ID: 18658732

No problem..  oBdA gave a great explanation of how the Time Server operates...  hope that helps!

FE

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