Using TIMESERV to Set and Synchronize Time

• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server

SUMMARY

This article provides information about the Timeserv.exe utility, which is included with the Windows NT resource kit.

In addition, both Timeserv.wri and Rktools.hlp are included with the resource kit and provide detailed information; please refer to them when you set up TIMESERV.

Timeserv.exe is a utility that can be used on computers running Windows NT to set and synchronize time in a network environment. TIMESERV runs on computers running both Windows NT Workstation and Windows NT Server. Also, a Timeserv.ini file must be configured on each computer running Timeserv.exe.

The first step to accomplish this is to set the time accurately by obtaining the time from sources that specialize in providing this service, such as the US Naval Observatory. The computer running Windows NT may dial through a modem to obtain the time. The Timeserv.ini file tells the computer who and what number to call. For the US Naval Observatory, the values 'type=USNO' and 'Phonenumber=+1 202 762 1594' would need to be added to the INI file. Set the 'timesource=yes' value so this server can provide time information to other domain servers on your network.

The next step would be for the above server to pass the correct time to servers in different locations so these domain servers become themselves time sources for their domain workstations. These servers obtain the time from the 'master source' by specifying 'type=primary' and 'primarysource=\\master's UNC' in the INI file. Also, set 'timesource=yes' so workstations (or servers) in local sites can obtain time from these servers.

Workstations can then have a 'type=secondary' in their INI file so they obtain the time from a domain time source. 'Timesource=no' should be set because they do not need to provide the time to other workstations.

MORE INFORMATION

Type=primary means the computer synchronizes with a specific computer. PRIMARYSOURCE gives that computer name, which may be a list.

Type=secondary means the computer synchronizes with a domain time source and SECONDARYDOMAIN can give the domain name(s). If not, then the computer's domain is used. So each workstation can be of type SECONDARY. The value PRIMARYSOURCE is ignored.

Set 'period=1' in the INI file to obtain the time just once each day.

Some non-Windows NT clients unable to run Timeserv.exe may have a time synchronization command such as NET TIME \\servername /set /y.

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbnetwork kbtool ntdomain
Version : WINDOWS:2000; winnt:3.5,3.51,4.0
Platform : WINDOWS winnt
Issue type : kbinfo