How to Configure an Ntp Network Time Server in Windows Xp

| Posted: 21-04-2008 | Comments: 1 | Views: 437 | Rating: (614)

(?)

Computer time synchronisation is highly important in modern computer networks, precision and time synchronization is critical in many applications, particularly time sensitive transactions. Just imagine buying an airline seat only to be told at the airport that the ticket was sold twice because it was purchased afterwards on a computer that had a slower clock!

Modern computers do have internal clocks called Real Time Clock chips (RTC) that provide time and date information. These chips are battery backed so that even during power outages, they can maintain time but personal computers are not designed to be perfect clocks. Their design has been optimized for mass production and low-cost rather than maintaining accurate time.

For many applications, this is can be quite adequate, although, quite often machines need time to be synchronised with other PC's on a network and when computers are out of sync with each other problems can arise such as sharing network files or in some environments even fraud!

Microsoft Windows XP has a time synchronisation utility built into the operating system called Windows Time (w32time.exe) which can be configured to operate as a network time server. It can be configured to both synchronise a network using the internal clock or an external time source.

Note: Microsoft strongly recommends that you configure a time server with a hardware source rather than from the internet where there is no authentication.

To configure Windows Time service to use the internal hardware clock, first check that w32time is located in the system services list in the registry, to check:

Click Start, Run then type regedit then click ok.

Locate and then click the following registry entry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32Time

It is highly recommended that you back up the registry as serious problems may occur if you modify the registry incorrectly, modifications to the registry are done at your own risk.

To begin configuration for an internal clock, click on Config in the w32Time folder.

In the right pane, right-click AnnounceFlags, then click modify.

The ‘AnnounceFlags' registry entry indicates whether the server is a trusted time reference, 5 indicates a trusted source so in the Edit DWord Value box, under Value Data, type 5, then click OK.

Network Time Protocol (NTP) is an Internet protocol used for the transfer of accurate time, providing time information along so that a precise time can be obtained

To enable the Network Time Protocol; NTPserver, locate and click:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeTimeProvidersNtpServer

In the right pane, right-click Enabled, then click Modify

In the Edit DWord Value box, type 1 under Value data, then click OK.

Exit Registry Editor

Click Start, then Run then type the following and press Enter:

Net stop w32time && net start w32time

To reset the local computers’ time, type the following on all computers except for the time server which must not be synchronised with itself:

W32tm/resync/rediscover

To configure Windows Time to use an external time source

Run Registry Edit and locate the following:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32Timeparameters

In the right pane, right-click Type, then click Modify

In the Edit Value box, under Value Data, type NTP and then click OK.

Now as before in the Config folder, right-click AnnounceFlags, Modify and in the Edit DWORD Value box, under Value Data, type 5, then click OK.

Locate and click the following

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeTimeProvidersNtpClient

In the right pane, right-click SpecialPollInterval, then click Modify.

In the Edit DWORD Value box, under Value Data, type the number of seconds you want for each poll, ie 900 will poll every 15 minutes, then click OK.

Now enable the NtpServer:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeTimeProvidersNtpServer

In the right pane, right-click Enabled, then click Modify

In the Edit DWord Value box, type 1 under Value data, then click OK.

Now in the right pane, right-click NtpServer, then Modify and in the Edit DWORD Value under Value Data type Peers, then click OK.

To configure the time correction settings, locate:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32Timeconfig

In the right pane, right-click MaxPosPhaseCorrection, then Modify, in the Edit DWORD Value box, under Base, click Decimal, under Value Data, type a time in seconds such as 3600 (an hour) then click OK.

Now go back and click:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32Timeconfig

In the right pane, right-click MaxNegPhaseCorrection, then Modify.

In the Edit DWORD box under base, click Decimal, under value data type the time in seconds you want to poll such as 3600 (polls in one hour)

Exit Registry

Now to restart windows time service, click Start, Run and type:

net stop w32time && net start w32time

And on each computer, other than the domain controller, type:

W32tm/resync/rediscover

And that’s it your time server should be now up and running.

Rate this Article:

Current: 5 / 5 stars - 1 vote(s).

Article Tags: GPS Clock, Time Server, Ntp Server, Atomic Clock, Atomic Time, GPS Ntp Server, Ntp Time Server, Time Synchronisation, GPS Time, GPS Timing, GPS Time Reference, GPS Atomic Clock, Ntp Gps, Time Synchronization, Digital Clock, Digital Wall Clock, Ntp Clock N

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/how-to-configure-an-ntp-network-time-server-in-windows-xp-392506.html

Print article

Send to friend

Publish this Article

Author feedback

About the Author:

Copyright 2008 © Richard N Williams
Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the telecommunications and network time synchronisation industry helping to develop dedicated time server products; ethernet clocks, GPS time servers, NTP servers, digital wall clocks, atomic clock servers and SNTP time servers. For more information about NTP products please Click here This article may be republished and reprinted in its complete form or in part without seeking permission providing a relevant link to this site is maintained. It is a violation of copyright law to reprint or publish this content without following these terms.

Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Add new Comment

1. Robert Wilson (10:28, 21.04.2008)

Excellent Article - easy to follow - easy to setup

How to Configure an Ntp Network Time Server in Windows 2003
By: Richard n Williams | 21/04/2008 | Networks
This article describes how to configure Windows 2003 to act as an authoritative time server using NTP (Network Time Protocol).

Decoding the Dcf-77 Radio Time Signal
By: David Evans | 06/02/2007 | Hardware
This article describes how the DCF-77 time signal is decoded by NTP server and computer systems to provide an accurate timing reference.

How to Configure Windows Server as a Ntp Server
By: David Evans | 22/02/2007 | Networks
This article describes how to configure the Microsoft Windows 2003 and Windows 2000 time service as a NTP time server. It shows how to modify registry entries to configure the Microsoft Windows Time Service. The Windows Time service allows a Windows network to provide synchronisation of all machines within a domain.

How to Keep Accurate Time on your Computer
By: David Evans | 27/02/2007 | Operating Systems
This article describes various methods of keeping a highly accurate time on your computer. It describes how to utilise Internet time servers, radio and GPS clocks and dedicated NTP server systems.

How to Configure a Windows Time Server
By: David Evans | 28/02/2007 | Operating Systems
This article introduces how to configure the Microsoft Windows 2000 and 2003 operating systems to operate as a SNTP or NTP time server. The article discusses how to change Windows registry entries to configure the Time Service.

How to Use Authentication When Synchronizing to a Ntp Server
By: David Evans | 01/03/2007 | Security
This article describes how to utilise the Network Time Protocol authentication features to authenticate time references when synchronizing clients to a NTP server.

How to Use the GPS Clock
By: David Evans | 19/06/2007 | Information Technology
This article discusses how the GPS clock can be used to provide an accurate timing reference for computers and computer networks. The GPS system is often used for computer timing applications, such as NTP time servers and accurate timing references.

Installing a Ntp Server
By: David Evans | 22/06/2007 | Hardware
This article describes how to configure and install NTP server systems on a network and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various reference clock options.

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

Iatomic clocks with different times
By: Bonnie | 22-06-2008
I have 3 atomic clocks in my house, they each have a different time, as much a 4 minutes apart. How is this possible if the settings are automatic and can I synchronize so they all display the same time?

Q&A Powered by:

Latest Computers Articles

Get the Most Out of Your Nanny Spy Cameras - Use Them For Other Purposes!
By: Nahshon Roberts | 25/07/2008
Lest you think that nanny spy cameras are only good for spying on the nanny, think again. The term is another designation for hidden surveillance cameras, supposedly because these are now more commonly used to monitor childcare providers in an increasingly nanny-paranoid society. Nanny spy cameras are usually...

Analyzing Consumer Electronics Devices
By: James Brown | 24/07/2008
Many consumers are drawn to consumer electronics because of the technology that makes each device perform its mission. While many consumers might not have a technical degree, many have a working knowledge of what the device is equipped with and the selling points of the device after they enter a...

Types of Consumer Electronics
By: James Brown | 24/07/2008
With so many updates and changes made to consumer electronics lately, some consumers are having a difficult time understanding what types of consumer electronics are most popular among middle class Americans and those who live on limited incomes where budget cuts made most consumer electronics seem unaffordable. Families across the...

Benefits of Unlocked Cellular Phones
By: Abe S. | 24/07/2008
You may not know much about your cellular phone other than that you cannot live without it! Your cell phone is your connection to the rest of the world and is a very important tool. Many cell phones are made to use a SIM card - a Subscriber...

How to Start a Business Selling Cell Phones
By: Abe S. | 24/07/2008
In today's unstable economy with reduced income and rising prices, everyone wants to save money if they can. Even if the economy were booming, saving money is always a wise choice. There is no shame in wanting to save as much money as possible when it comes to...

How Can I Work With Sybase Database Tools?
By: Patricia Stevens | 23/07/2008
To use a Sybase server, you are should have Netscape Enterprise Server. You cannot get an access to Sybase from Netscape FastTrack Server. Sybase has both one-line, and multiline drivers on some Unix-platforms. If Sybase has the multiline driver for the concrete Unix-machine, you are obliged to use LiveWire for...

Baselining--Stress Testing--Performance Testing--Oh My--Part TWO-Testing
By: Barry Koplowitz | 23/07/2008
This article is also available as a Podcast on "The ROOT Cause" available on iTunes. Written and Narrated by Barry Koplowitz. This is the second of two articles discussing the topic of Test Environments and Testing Practices. The first one, "Baselining--Stress Testing--Performance Testing--Oh My--Part One--Environments," focused on proper testing environment design....

Page Yield / Cartridge Yield
By: Kwan Lo | 23/07/2008
Page yield is the number of pages that you can print with a printer cartridge. It is also known as cartridge yield. Many cartridge manufacturers use the terms "standard yield" or "high yield" to describe their printer cartridge but each cartridge should have a page yield value. It...

More from Richard n Williams

Linux – Getting the Correct Time
By: Richard n Williams | 21/07/2008 | Networks
This article epxlores the beast way of keeping accurate time on Linux/Unix systems.

Touch Screen Technology – the Death Knell for the Computer Mouse
By: Richard n Williams | 21/07/2008 | Networks
This article explores the demise of the computer mouse and how it is being replaced by other technolgies sucha s touch screens.

Accuracy in Timekeeping, Clocks and Their Development
By: Richard n Williams | 21/07/2008 | Networks
This article explores the development of lcocks throughout the ages, from sundials to atomic clocks

How to Build and Configure Your Own Radio Referenced Ntp Time Server
By: Richard n Williams | 21/07/2008 | Networks
This article explains how to build and configure your own radio referenced NTP server

Using National Time and Frequency Signals as a Ntp Timing Reference
By: Richard n Williams | 16/07/2008 | Hardware
This article explores how to use a national time and frequency for network time synchronisation.

Keeping Accurate Time on Linux: Running a Ntp Time Server
By: Richard n Williams | 16/07/2008 | Operating Systems
This article explains how to keep accurate and synchronised time on Linux using NTP

Using Msf as a Timing Reference for Ntp Servers
By: Richard n Williams | 15/07/2008 | Networks
This article explores ow to use the National radio broadcast as a timing reference for an NTP time server.

Choosing a Touch Screen Display
By: Richard n Williams | 14/07/2008 | Hardware
This article gives advice on how to select an industrial touch screen display

Article Categories

Article Marketing

Article Notepad

Stop Duplicate Content

Term Papers

Need Help?

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below

Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.19, 16)

How to Configure an Ntp Network Time Server in Windows Xp

Article Comments

Related Articles

Got a Question? Ask.

Latest Computers Articles

More from Richard n Williams

Need Help?

Site Links

Webmasters

Business Info

Sign up for our email newsletter