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Scott LewisFlag for United States of America

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How to setup time synchronization on Windows 2008 Server Core

We have 2 W2K8 Server Core domain controllers.  How do I make sure that all the workstations and other servers are getting their time sync from these 2 domain controllers?  If you could please give a step by step on how to do this.  Thanks!
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Darius Ghassem
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If either of these servers are your FSMO roles holder PDC then the clients will update automatically.
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How can I chaeck this?
Before you go about synchronizing time, make sure that both your Domain Controllers are not off by more than 5 minutes. Ideally I would recommend try to make them as close as possible.  Also make sure Date and Time Zone are same.

Secondly, synchronize your servers time with an external time source (atomic clock). To do this type the following command on the server core DC in teh same order-
w32tm /config /syncfromflags:domhier /reliable:no /update
net stop w32time
net start w32time

Now the answer to your question. The best way to do this is via LOGIN SCRIPT via AD users and Computers or STARTUP SCRIPT via group policy. Just make a batch script with the following -

NET TIME /DOMAIN:yourdomain /SET /YES

This should do the trick


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manav08
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Take a look at this great article by Matt (tigermatt on this site)
http://tigermatt.wordpress.com/2009/08/01/windows-time-for-active-directory/
As long as your PDCe in the forest root is setup properly the other DCs and clients can automatically sync their time using the windows hiearchy.
Thanks
 
Mike
These are great answers....you all are awesome!

One more question....  what is the command for the W2K8 server core DC to set the time up with an nist.gov atomic clock?
Is the server core DC your PDC emulator?

w32tm /config /manualpeerlist: "nist.gov,0×8" /syncfromflags:MANUAL /reliable:yes /update

Thanks

Mike
yes to your question

what is the 0x8 behind the website...and do I use the "'s?  

Thanks!
Also...I don't have to use a net time /setsntp: command with this?

I am also assuming that I have to stop and start the service after the command?
0x8 specifies client mode more on the modes here  http://www.meinberg.de/english/faq/faq_28.htm

syncfromflags:MANUAL sets it to use ntp

You can use net stop w32time && net start w32time to stop are restart the time service

Thanks

Mike