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Network time out of sync

Good day,

I recently took over a job as sysadmin on three sites.

On all three sites the network time is out of sync.

Scenario1:

Server 2008R2 domain controller (Only server on network)
Time on server and workstations 4 mins ahead

Scenario:

Server2008 domain controller (Only server on network)
Time on server and workstations 10 mins ahead

Scenario:

Server 2012 domain controller (Only server on network)
Time behind by 2 mins

Is it possible to just manually correct the time on the server and let it sync through to the workstations,without causing any issues on the domain.

Thanks in advance

Dirk Mare

Yes you can manually adjust but I would recommend setting up your PDC emulator to update its time from the internet. All Domain clients and other server will look at the DC with PDC role for the correct time.

Setup Time Sync

Network Sync

Also search experts-exchange for PDC time sync.. Here is one article that could be useful.

DirkMare

JJThiart

ASKER

Hi Dirk,

THanks for the info, so will the sudden change of 10 mins on the domain controller have any effect? I remember the client saying that they couldn't log in on the workstations once they changed the time on the server.

Bala Krishnan

Most people assume that pc clocks in servers, workstations and network devices area unit inherently correct. this is often incorrect. Most of those clocks area unit set by hand to among a moment or 2 of actual time and area unit seldom checked at that time. Several of those clocks area unit maintained by a battery-backed, clock-calendar device which will drift the maximum amount as a second per day. Having any style of meaningful time synchronization is not possible if such clocks area unit allowed to run on their own. Visit website in fashionable pc networks time synchronization is crucial as a result of each side of managing, securing, planning, and debugging a network involves crucial once events happen. Time conjointly provides the sole frame of reference between all devices on the network.

Dirk Mare

Yes, time is critical for domain function. And it will cause logon issue, files share issues and exchange problems.

DirkMare

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Pallavi Godse

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JJThiart

ASKER

Will that automatically detect that it should be south african time?

Dirk Mare

Your server time region will help with the correct time zone.

DirkMare

JJThiart

ASKER

Hi Emma,

It worked on the server, but has not pulled through to the workstations yet?

Dirk Mare

Time sync normally at logon..

DirkMare

JJThiart

ASKER

I relogged, also did a manual w32tm /resync, it said sync successful and also specifies the correct server.

Am I missing something?

JJThiart

ASKER

It is closer now, the server and workstations are now 1 min out instead of 3min, with the server having the correct time and the workstations being 1min ahead

SOLUTION

Dirk Mare

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JJThiart

ASKER

So I can just set it as the domain server's ip address and do a ipconfig /release - ipconfig /renew - Or when we restart the workstations?

Dirk Mare

Correct use ip address of your server. Note this would set time of all other SNTP cable devices or any non domain joined workstations..

DirkMare

JJThiart

ASKER

Thanks Dirk,

I will give feedback as soon as I've tested everything.