How to Set Up And Synchronize with Domain Time Source Servers

This article describes how to set up a Windows NT Server to act as a Domain Time Source server and enable client computers to synchronize with it.

Network administrators may establish one or more Windows NT timesource servers as domain time standards and modify client login scripts to synchronize workstation time to the timesource servers. Network environments that require high accuracy may install the TIMESERV utility (included in the Windows NT Resource Kit). This utility synchronizes a Windows NT computer to a remote time standard through modem dial-up. For more information about TIMESERV, refer to the Windows NT Resource Kit Help file (RKTOOLS.HLP).

Setting Up Windows NT Server as a Domain Time Source Server

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

1. Start the Registry Editor (REGEDT32.EXE) and locate the following Registry subkey:
   

         HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
            \LanManServer\Parameters
     
   						

2. From the Edit menu, select Add Value.
3. Add the following:
   

         Value Name: TimeSource
         Data Type:  REG_DWORD
         String: 1
     
   						

4. Choose OK and quit the Registry Editor.
5. Shut down and restart Windows NT.

Enabling Client Computers to Synchronize with Domain Time Source Server

For Windows NT client computers, type the following in the MS-DOS Command Prompt or add the following to the login script:

For Windows or MS-DOS based client computers, such as Windows, Windows for Workgroups, LAN Manager for MS-DOS or Microsoft Network Client for MS-DOS, type the following in the MS-DOS command prompt or add the following to the login script:

NOTE: You can also synchronize all timesource computers with a master timesource computer using the command: NET TIME \\<computername> /SET. The master timesource computer can also be synchronized to an external time standard using the TIMESERV utility.