Err Msg: Could Not Locate a Time-Server

ID: Q135646

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, make sure you understand how to restore it if a problem occurs. For information about how to do this, view the "Restoring the Registry" Help topic in Regedit.exe or the "Restoring a Registry Key" Help topic in Regedt32.exe.

SYMPTOMS

When you try to set your computer's time using the NET TIME command, the following errors appears:

Could not locate a time-server

-and-

More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 3912

When you type NET HELPMSG 3912, the first error appears again.

CAUSE

The default configuration parameters in the Registry for the Server service do not specify a time-server.

RESOLUTION

Perform a NET TIME \\SERVER_NAME /SET /Y to sync time with machine SERVER_NAME

-or-

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys and Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it. If you are running Windows NT, you should also update your Emergency Repair Disk (ERD).

To correct this problem, configure either a Primary Domain Controller (PDC) or a Backup Domain Controller (BDC) to be the time server of a domain and then specify a time server by adding the following registry entry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters

Value Name: timesource
Data Type: REG_DWORD
Data: 1
Radix: Hex

Data set to 1 enables the server as a timesource. Stop and restart the Server service so this change can take effect.

MORE INFORMATION

Q158388: Useful Resource Kit Utilities for Domain Administrators

TIMESERV.EXE - A service that keeps the local system clock synchronized with a Time server that is independent of a logged on user.

Additional query words: prodnt

Keywords : kbenv ntsetup ntconfig
Version : :; winnt:3.5,3.51,4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type :