Server Clock synch

[Guest]

I have 1 domain, 4 subnets each with a W2K server. I have a login script
that uses the net time command to synch all of my W98 clients clocks. I use
server A in the login script. All of my XP clients times are off by 15
minutes so i went to server A and synched' its clock to a external NTP server
ar Argon Natl Lab. Ever since then i have been getting clock synch errors
all over my network stating that the network time is not correct /
synchronized. The errors tell me that the server's clock needs to be
synched' with the domain controllers clock. Each of my servers say that they
are domain controllers and when i go into computer mgmt it shows all of my
servers as domain controllers probobly because they are on diff. subnets. So
how do i find out who the real DC is? Thanks

Please email me at (e-mail address removed)

 

[Richard G. Harper]

Read here:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pr...irectory/maintain/opsguide/part1/adogd15.mspx

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnw2kmag01/html/TimeWin2K.asp

In short, if you get the PDC emulator synchronized with an external time
source, drop all other attempts to synchronize time on other servers and
clients. Active Directory will take care of it once the root is fixed.

 

[Herb Martin]

I have 1 domain, 4 subnets each with a W2K server. I have a login script
that uses the net time command to synch all of my W98 clients clocks. I use
server A in the login script.

I would suggest sync'ing them to %LogonServer%
environment variable***. Since it just worked and
stands a good chance of being in the same site or
at least the 'best' choice.

***Not avaialbe in 98 but it can be set according to
Microsoft:

<
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/support/faqw2kcp.mspx?pf=true >
<<To define the %USERNAME%, %COMPUTERNAME%, and %LOGONSERVER% environment
variables on non-Windows NT-based Windows clients, install putinenv.exe on
all non-Windows NT-based Windows clients. You must also install WINSET.EXE,
from the Windows CD-ROM, on these clients. You can then use the following
code in your logon script: >>

You can also check to make sure it isn't blank and use "server A" if it is.

All of my XP clients times are off by 15
minutes so i went to server A and synched' its clock to a external NTP server
ar Argon Natl Lab.

Ever since then i have been getting clock synch errors
all over my network stating that the network time is not correct /
synchronized. The errors tell me that the server's clock needs to be
synched' with the domain controllers clock. Each of my servers say that they
are domain controllers and when i go into computer mgmt it shows all of my
servers as domain controllers probobly because they are on diff. subnets. So
how do i find out who the real DC is? Thanks

As Richard says, the PDC Emulator (you can find
it in AD Users/Computers) is the master time source
for the domain -- and the root forest PDC Emulator
is the master for the others in a multi-domain forest.

Sync that one to the NTP server (and set it up to
do so periodically) and the other DCs should/will
sync from it.

Please email me at (e-mail address removed)

You really have to read the answers on the list most
of the time.

I disagree (slightly) with one item that Richard indicated.

It is not necessary for you to set all of your DCs directly
from the PDC Emulator (but a very good default method).
If it is easier/more reliable to set them all (or some)
from an Internet server or other time source feel free to
do that -- just make sure they all get set to the same time.

AND WATCH out for TIME ZONE settings. 9:00 AM
Easter is the SAME as 8:00 Central since the official
time is in Universal Time (aka GMT.)

 

[Guest]

Herb,

I think i found where you are talking about. PDC Emulator = PDC in AD,
Users & Comps, Operations Masters???

Is it ok to have the RID and PDC Emulator as the same computer?

Thanks so much for all of your help.

Bob