"Could Not Locate a Time Server" After Setting SNTP Time Server Using NET TIME Command

• Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

SYMPTOMS

When you use the net time command, you may receive the following error message:

Could not locate a time-server.
More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 3912.

CAUSE

This error message can occur even if you set a valid Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) time server using the net time /setsntp command and network connectivity to the external time server exists.

Windows 2000 servers that are not domain controllers and Windows 2000 Professional-based computers attempt to locate a domain controller to synchronize the network time. Domain controllers attempt to contact the domain controller that holds the primary domain controller (PDC) Flexible Single Master Operation (FSMO) role. Only the domain controller that holds the PDC FSMO role can query an external time source to set the time.

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbenv kberrmsg
Version : WINDOWS:2000
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb