Configuring Windows-based clients to synchronize time

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Certain Windows-based client computers do not automatically synchronize their time with the Active Directory domain. The following client computers do not automatically synchronize to the domain time by using the Windows Time service:

• Client computers that run in a pre-Windows 2000 domain environment.

• Client computers that run in a UNIX environment.

• Computers that are not joined to a domain.

Configure these computers to request time from a particular source, such as a domain controller in the domain. If you do not specify a source that is synchronized with the domain, each computer’s internal hardware clock governs its time.

Task requirements

The following tool is required to perform the procedures for this task:

• W32tm

Use either of the following procedures to configure your Windows-based clients to synchronize time:

• Configure a manual time source for a selected client computer

  -or-

• Configure a client computer for automatic domain time synchronization