Time Synchronization on Windows XP

Answer

Windows XP will automatically synchronize time with a domain controller if the computer is a member of a domain. If the computer is not a member of a domain, the Windows Time Service can be configured to synchronize the computer's time to a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server via a network connection.

STEPS

• By default, in a workgroup environment Windows XP is configured to synchronize the time with time.windows.com. Open Control Panel and double click on Date and Time. Click the Internet Time tab. The picture below illustrates the default settings:

• To change the default Internet time server you can do either of:

• Double click the Server text field. Type the desired NTP server and click the Apply button.
  
  Tip: A list of Internet NTP servers can be found at http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/ntp.html.

• In the Server drop down list Click on another time server and click the Apply button.
  Tip: time.nist.gov is the National Institute of Standards and Technology NTP time server.



• After clicking the Apply button, the time will update at the next synchronization time listed. To update the time immediately, click the Update Now button.