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NT chooses the wrong time server

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6 replies

by technojunkie

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I've got a fairly large NT domain (~300 servers). Typically, NT will look to the PDC for the correct time (ie: NET TIME ). For some reason, my servers are looking at a certain box (always the same one). The box is a domain controller, but is not the one I want the rest of the domain to look to for time, as I already have a dedicated ntp server on my lan. Any thoughts? I simply need to find out where it is that NT stores the servername to look at for time.

6 replies

by cg it

Microsoft Support Services has an answer for Net Time setup either locally [your DNS server] or one of the public net time servers. Article Q120944 describes Net Time for all workstations & Servers with references to other sources regarding net timeon networks.

by cg it

Also see articles Q216734 [How to configure an Authoritative Network Time service & Q307897 How to synchronize time using Windows Time Service. There also is a downloadable manual entitled Windows Time service that you can get.

by roly dee

The NET TIME command uses the ubiquitous Browser service to locate a time server. Use BROWSTAT VIEW to check the services offered by your machines via the Browser service: 'TS' indicates a Time Source.
If more than one server offers the service, NET TIME seems to try the list in alphabetical order. Maybe it's that simple...
If you want to force your servers to always use your PDC, specify it. Otherwise use

NB If you use the MS w32time.exe to run your time servers, you can set the TS flag (TimeSource=yes in w32time.ini) for a server. This is distinct from the LocalNTP=yes option: an NTP server doesn't advertise.

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