Member Avatar for myusernotyours

Hi there,
Any one who can help. Am trying to set up a PDC as a time server on my network. It runs 2000 server and i cant get anything helpful on the web. Please link me up with a good site that has easy to follow instructions. Av tried microsoft and their solution doesnt seem to work. I cant fing the said registry keys.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by DimaYasny

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As described, the domain clock should be anchored at the PDC emulator. is correct that Group Policy can override local settings, but a simple local fix on a Windows 2000 PDC is often easier to get working and to troubleshoot. The checklist below gives a minimal, reliable sequence that has worked on 2000-era DCs.

  1. Confirm the server holds the PDC emulator FSMO role (Active Directory Users and Computers -> right‑click domain -> Operations Masters -> PDC tab).
  2. Backup the registry, then open regedit and check these keys:
    • HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters — set Type = NTP and enter your external servers in NtpServer (use a few public servers or your upstream NTP).
    • HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Config — set AnnounceFlags (REG_DWORD) = 5 to mark the machine as a reliable time source.
  3. Restart the time service and force a resync:
net stop w32time
net start w32time

If w32tm exists on the box you can run w32tm /resync and w32tm /query /status for verification.

Troubleshooting notes: if values keep reverting, use Resultant Set of Policy / GPO tools to find policies changing W32Time keys. Check Event Viewer for W32Time errors, ensure UDP port 123 is allowed outbound, and confirm client DCs use NT5DS (domain hierarchy) so they follow the PDC. Always back up the registry before editing.

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Member Avatar for DimaYasny

it's not in the registry, it's in the GP.

net time /?

Member Avatar for myusernotyours

I asked for "easy to follow" not Cryptic GP!??

Member Avatar for DimaYasny

first of all relax and lay off the exclamation marks. one would really assume that a system administrator who knows what PDC is would know what group policy is as well.

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