Time sync failure... why?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jonathan Sachs
  • Start date Start date
J

Jonathan Sachs

I am running Windows XP SP2. I need to figure out why I am getting an
error whenever I try to synchronize my clock with an Internet time
server, either automatically or by clicking "Update Now."

I initially assumed that Norton Internet Security was interfering with
the process, but I tried disabling its firewall, its intrusion
detection, and its spyware detection, without results. Norton's logs
do not indicate that it has taken any action when the time sync fails.

When I try to synchronize with time.nist.gov, I get the message "An
error occurred while Windows for synchronizing with time.nist.gov."

When I try to synchronize with time.windows.com, I I get a similar
message which sometimes has additional text, saying something like
"The error was: operation failed because the client's stratum is below
the host's stratum." I don't have the exact wording because this
message is not appearing consistently, and I can't get it to appear as
I write this.

I have looked at the suggestions in the Help and Support Center, but
none none of them appear to be relevant. There is nothing wrong with
my Internet connection; I have tried disabling the firewall; the
problem cannot be up the server because I get an error consistently
with both servers and any time of day; and my computer's time is set
very close to the correct time (within seconds). Something else must
be happening, but what?
 
Try time-b.nist.gov. for whatever reason time.nist.gov quit working
several weeks ago.
Curt
 
As with most all data entry boxes, just backspace out the current
data and simply type in your preferred Time Server IP and then
test for immediate sync.
For example:
129.6.15.29
 
As with most all data entry boxes, just backspace out the current
data and simply type in your preferred Time Server IP and then
test for immediate sync.
Click to expand...

Very strange... when I first tried it, the combo box refused to let me
modify the current data. Thus, the question in my last message. I
tried it again, and it worked perfectly.

It's not clear to me why an IP address should work when a domain does
not. I initially tried entering one of the other domain names from
tf.nist.gov, and that worked, so I have not (so far) had to enter an
address.

Thank you. You've helped me solve the problem with a minimum of fuss.
 
The Microsoft time synch server is obviously down. I've had this problem with
my own computer in New York, and my brother-in-law had it several days ago in
Seattle. Has anyone told Microsoft their time synch isn't working?
 
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