Network time out of sync

JJThiart
JJThiart used Ask the Experts™
on
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
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Dirk MareSystems Engineer (Acting IT Manager)

Commented:
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

Author

Commented:
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

Commented:
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.
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Dirk MareSystems Engineer (Acting IT Manager)

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



DirkMare
Sr. Digital Marketing Executive
Commented:
Log in to your PDC Server and open the command prompt.
Stop the W32Time service: 
C:\>net stop w32time

Open in new window

Configure the external time sources, type: 
C:\> w32tm /config /syncfromflags:manual /manualpeerlist:”0.pool.ntp.org, 1.pool.ntp.org, 2.pool.ntp.org”

Open in new window

Make your PDC a reliable time source for the clients. Type: 
 C:\>w32tm /config /reliable:yes

Open in new window

Start the w32time service: 
C:\>net start w32time

Open in new window

The windows time service should begin synchronizing the time. You can check the external NTP servers in the time configuration by typing: 
C:\>w32tm /query /configuration

Open in new window

Check the Event Viewer for any errors.
JJThiart

Author

Commented:
Will that automatically detect that it should be south african time?
Dirk MareSystems Engineer (Acting IT Manager)

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

DirkMare
JJThiart

Author

Commented:
Hi Emma,

It worked on the server, but has not pulled through to the workstations yet?
Dirk MareSystems Engineer (Acting IT Manager)

Commented:
Time sync normally at logon..

DirkMare
JJThiart

Author

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

Am I missing something?
JJThiart

Author

Commented:
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
Dirk MareSystems Engineer (Acting IT Manager)
Commented:
Also another thing that was not mentioned if you are using Windows DHCP use that to tell your clients what time server to use..

Go to DHCP Snap In
expand your Scope and right click on Scope Options and choose Configure options
Choose option 004 Time Server and indicate which server is your NTP server

DirkMare
JJThiart

Author

Commented:
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 MareSystems Engineer (Acting IT Manager)

Commented:
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

Author

Commented:
Thanks Dirk,

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

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