Err Msg: Could Not Locate a Time-Server (135646)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0

This article was previously published under Q135646
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you try to set your computer's time using the NET TIME command, the following errors appears:
Could not locate a time-server

-and-

More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 3912
When you type NET HELPMSG 3912, the first error appears again.

CAUSE

The default configuration parameters in the Registry for the Server service do not specify a time-server.

RESOLUTION

Perform a NET TIME \\SERVER_NAME /SET /Y to sync time with machine SERVER_NAME

-or-

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To correct this problem, configure either a Primary Domain Controller (PDC) or a Backup Domain Controller (BDC) to be the time server of a domain and then specify a time server by adding the following registry entry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters

Value Name: timesource
Data Type: REG_DWORD
Data: 1
Radix: Hex

Data set to 1 enables the server as a timesource. Stop and restart the Server service so this change can take effect.

MORE INFORMATION

Q158388: Useful Resource Kit Utilities for Domain Administrators

TIMESERV.EXE - A service that keeps the local system clock synchronized with a Time server that is independent of a logged on user.


Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/7/2003
Keywords:kbenv KB135646