Synchronizing Windows 2000 Server or Workstation to either a domain controller or to a time server

As described earlier, Windows 2000 workstations (and other 2000 Servers) can synchronize to either a Windows NT/2000/2003 Domain Controller (Default mode) or to the Time Server. If the Windows 2000 workstation is part of the Domain, the PC automatically time syncs to the Domain Controller at the next scheduled update (Every 8 hours). The 2000 workstation can be re-directed to the Time Server if desired. To redirect the 2000 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 the PC to the Domain Controller, no action is required unless the DC is Windows NT (see below).

By default, Windows 2000 updates the system clock once every eight hours. Windows 2000 workstations automatically time sync to the Domain Controller at their next scheduled update.

To sync a Windows 2000 workstation to an NT domain controller

Windows 2000 workstations must be manually configured to synchronize to a Windows NT domain controller. Type the follow line at the command prompt at EACH Windows 2000 workstation:
Net time /setsntp:domain controller (where domain controller is the name of the WinNT Server)

To verify a Windows 2000 workstation is syncing to theDomain 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 using the Date/Time properties screen in the lower right-hand corner of the screen (set the time of the PC back by at 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.
   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 Win2000 domain controller to a time server

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