Configuration of Microsoft Time Server

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Configuration of Microsoft Time Server

Correctly configuring a time server that works is important so the correct time is shown on the IP Phones. ShoreTel recommends that in a production network the Time Services are hosted by the Domain controller.

Overview

There are four sections covered in this document; First section has two “options” for setting the Time Server. Second area covers selecting an internal or external time source for obtaining current time. Third area shows reference links to Microsoft web site with article numbers covering setting up a time server. And the last section covers has screen shots of a registry from a ShoreTel demo system.

Option 1: Configuration Example via Group Policy:

In this first option setting up the “time server” is done via the Group Policy editor. This is a GUI based solution and many would consider it easier then going into the “regedit” as shown in Option 2. If this option for some reason doesn’t work then use Option 2.

Setting up “Time Server”, from the OS click on “Start | Run”. Next in the “Open” box type “gpedit.msc” and click “OK”

A new window will open called “Group Policy”. From this window follow the directory down to “Time Providers” (Path: “Local Computer Policy | Computer Configuration | Administrative Templates | System | Windows Time Service”). Then in the right window there will be a “Setting” called “Enable Windows NTP Server”, double click to open.

A P P L I C A T I O N N 0 T E

ST-0123 November 16, 2005

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Next test by booting up an IP Phone – Once the IP Phone has booted up (with the handset hung up) press “Mute + INFO (4636) + #. Then continue pressing the # sign until “SNTP Server” is shown, make sure it’s showing the IP Address of the Time Server. Press * to exit the information menu on the IP Phone.

Option 2: Configuration Example via Regedit:

Example configuration for Win2003 Server, similar steps are used for Windows 2000 Server. We suggest this option only be used if Option 1 doesn’t work.

Note:

ShoreTel “STRONGLY” recommends that only administrators with experience working in the “registry” attempt making modifications. Damage can occur and may make the system un-accessible should something be wrongly configured! It is also always recommended that the system or at least the registry is backed up before making changes!

Configuring the Windows Time service to use an external time source

To configure an internal time server to synchronize with an external time source, follow these steps:

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a. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK. b. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters\Type c. In the right pane, right-click Type, and then click Modify.

d. In Edit Value, type NTP in the Value data box, and then click OK. 2. Set AnnounceFlags to 5. To do this, follow these steps:

a. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Config\AnnounceFlag b. In the right pane, right-click AnnounceFlags, and then click Modify.

c. In Edit DWORD Value, type 5 in the Value data box, and then click OK. 3. Enable NTPServer. To do this, follow these steps:

a. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpSe b. In the right pane, right-click Enabled, and then click Modify.

c. In Edit DWORD Value, type 1 in the Value data box, and then click OK. Stop and Start the Windows Time service

From a command prompt type: net stop w32time && net start w32time

Internal clock or External time source

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Microsoft Reference Links

Here are links on setting up a time server. www.Technet.com KB article # 816042 for Win2003.

Results 1-3

How to configure an authoritative time server in Windows Server 2003

• (816042) - Provides step-by-step procedures that explain how to configure the Windows _{Time service. Also provides troubleshooting information and an introduction to Windows} Time service synchronization.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;816042

How to configure an authoritative time server in Windows 2000

• (216734) - Discusses how to configure an authoritative time server in Windows 2000. Also discusses how to configure a reliable time source.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;216734

How to configure an authoritative time server in Windows XP

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Demo System Registry Example

The images shown in this section are snap shots from a ShoreTel Demo System which was

configured as a time source. Should something get miss configured use these images to help restore it to a working state.

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HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Config

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HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters

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HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\TimeProvide rs

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