Post-Upgrade Tasks › Synchronize System Time › Synchronize System Time on Windows Server 2003

Synchronize System Time on Windows Server 2003

This topic describes how to use the Windows Time service to synchronize system time among Windows Server 2003 systems. The goal is to configure all of your Windows Server 2003 systems to match their clocks the same time source. For information about other time synchronization tools and methods, consult the Microsoft support site.

Follow these steps:

1. Log in as a user who is a member of the Administrators group.
2. Enter the following command at a command prompt:

   net time /querysntp
   

   The command returns the name of the Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) server with which the system is configured to synchronize time.

   Example Return Value:

   The current SNTP value is: time.windows.com, 0x1
   The command completed successfully.
   

3. Enter the following command:

   net time /SETSNTP:NTPServer
   

   where:

   NTPServer = Name of the SNTP server that was returned from the previous query

   Example Command:

   net time /SETSNTP:time.windows.com
   

   The return value indicates whether the command completed successfully.

4. (Optional)Verify that the Windows Time service is set to start automatically.
   1. Select Start, Administrative Tools, Services.

      The Services window opens.

   2. Double-click Windows Time in the Services list.

      The Windows Time Properties window opens.

   3. Verify that the Startup type value is Automatic.
   4. If the value is not Automatic, choose Automatic from the Startup type list.
   5. Click OK.
   6. Close the Services window.
5. Restart the system.