Synchronizing Windows XP workstations (pre SP2) to either a domain controller or to a time server

As described earlier, Windows XP workstations can synchronize to either a Windows NT/2000/2003 Domain Controller (Default mode) or to the Time Server. If the Windows XP workstation is part of the Domain, the PC automatically time syncs to the Domain Controller at the next scheduled update. The XP workstation can be redirected to the Time Server if desired. To redirect the XP workstation to synchronize to the Time Server, follow the same procedure as syncing a Windows 2000 Domain Controller to the Time Server. Otherwise, to synchronize to the Domain Controller, no action is required unless it is an NT domain controller (see below).

To sync a Windows XP workstation to an NT domain controller

Windows XP workstations must be manually configured to synchronize to a Windows NT domain controller. To configure Windows XP workstations to synchronize to a WinNT Server, type the follow line in command prompt at EACH Windows XP workstation:
Net time /setsntp:domain controller (where domain controller is the name of the WinNT Server)

If the Windows XP workstation is part of a Domain, the PC will then automatically time sync to the Domain Controller at the next scheduled update.

Changing the time update interval of Windows XP

The default update interval for XP synchronization is once every 7 days. Due to the fact that the computer clock could drift several seconds or even minutes in this time frame, you will want to change the update interval in the system registry

1. Start the Registry Editor.
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ Services \ W32Time \ TimeProviders \ NTPClient \
3. Double-click the SpecialPollInterval value, and change the Base of the Value data to Decimal.
4. Now change the Value data to the time interval you desire. The time units is seconds. The default value is 604800 seconds (seven days). A more reasonable interval is once-per-hour or 3600 seconds.
5. Close the Registry Editor.

To verify a Windows XP workstation is syncing to the Domain Controller or Time Server

1. Stop the W32Time Service
   1. Controlling the W32Time Service from Services
      Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools. Find a shortcut for Services. Select W32Time Service. Click NetStop.
      
      or
   2. Controlling the W32Time Service from the command prompt
      At the command prompt, type: net stop w32time (stops the time service)
2. Manually change the time to an incorrect value using the Date/Time properties screen in the lower right-hand corner of the screen (Set the time of the PC back by a minimum of 3 minutes).
3. Re-start the W32Time service
   1. Controlling the W32Time Service from "Services"
      Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools, to a shortcut that goes to Services. Select W32Time Service. Verify Automatic is selected. Click NetStart.
      
      or
   2. Controlling the W32Time Service from the command prompt
      At the command prompt, type: Net start w32time (starts the time service)
4. Observe the time updates to the correct time.

If the time is not corrected after restarting the time service, refer to Troubleshooting.

Back to: Synchronizing Windows 2000 workstations to either a domain controller or a time server

Next to: Synchronizing Windows NT servers or workstations to either a domain controller or a time server