Help and Support

"Could Not Locate a Time Server" After Setting SNTP Time Server Using NET TIME Command

View products that this article applies to.
Article ID:243574
Last Review:March 1, 2007
Revision:3.2
This article was previously published under Q243574

SYMPTOMS

When you use the net time command, you may receive the following error message:
Could not locate a time-server.
More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 3912.

CAUSE

This error message can occur even if you set a valid Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) time server using the net time /setsntp command and network connectivity to the external time server exists.

Windows servers that are not domain controllers and Windows-based computers attempt to locate a domain controller to synchronize the network time. Domain controllers attempt to contact the domain controller that holds the primary domain controller (PDC) Flexible Single Master Operation (FSMO) role. Only the domain controller that holds the PDC FSMO role can query an external time source to set the time.
APPLIES TO
•Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
•Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
•Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition
•Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server

Back to the top

Keywords: 
kbenv kberrmsg kbprb KB243574

Article Translations

 

Related Support Centers

Other Support Options

  • Contact Microsoft
    Phone Numbers, Support Options and Pricing, Online Help, and more.
  • Customer Service
    For non-technical assistance with product purchases, subscriptions, online services, events, training courses, corporate sales, piracy issues, and more.
  • Newsgroups
    Pose a question to other users. Discussion groups and Forums about specific Microsoft products, technologies, and services.