====== Synchronize time with external NTP ======

Time synchronization is an important aspect for all computers on the network. By default, the clients computers get their time from a Domain Controller and the Domain Controller gets his time from the domain’s PDC Operation Master. Therefore the PDC must synchronize his time from an external source. I usually use the servers listed at the NTP Pool Project website. Before you begin, don’t forget to open the default UDP 123 port (in- and outbound) on your (corporate) firewall.

  - First, locate your PDC Server. Open the command prompt and type: <code winbatch>
C:>netdom /query fsmo
</code>
  - Log in to your PDC Server and open the command prompt.
  - Stop the W32Time service: <code winbatch>
C:>net stop w32time
</code>
  - Configure the external time sources, type: <code winbatch>
C:> w32tm /config /syncfromflags:manual /manualpeerlist:”0.pool.ntp.org, 1.pool.ntp.org, 2.pool.ntp.org”
</code>
  - Make your PDC a reliable time source for the clients. Type: <code winbatch>
C:>w32tm /config /reliable:yes
</code>
  - Start the w32time service: <code winbatch>
C:>net start w32time
</code>
  - The windows time service should begin synchronizing the time. You can check the external NTP servers in the time configuration by typing: <code winbatch>
C:>w32tm /query /configuration
</code>
  - Check the Event Viewer for any errors.
  - If you need manual synchronize to NTP server : <code winbatch>
C:>w32tm /config /update
</code>
Tested on Windows Server 2008 R2 (Build 7600).