Parameters\NtpServer

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters

Data type Range Default value

REG_SZ

DNS name or IP address[,0x1 | 0x2 | 0x3]

time.windows.com,0x1

Description

Stores a list of time sources that this computer uses to synchronize its time. The time sources appear either as a DNS name or an IP address of the time source server. The list is space-delimited, with one address per line.

Each time source may also be followed by a comma and a DWORD containing flags for special handling of that time source. If the flags are not specified, they default to 0x0. The available flags are:

Value Meaning

0x1

Instead of following the NTP specification, wait for the interval specified in the SpecialPollInterval entry before attempting to recontact this time source. Setting this flag decreases network usage, but it also decreases accuracy.

0x2

Use this time source only as a fallback. If all time sources that are not fallbacks have failed, then the system selects one fallback time source at random and uses it.

0x4

Set the local computer to operate in symmetric active mode in the association with this source.

0x8

Set the local computer to operate in client mode in the association with this source.

Change Method

You can change the value of this entry by using the /setsntp parameter of the net time command at the command line. For more information about net time, see Help and Support Center for Windows Server 2003.