Configuring Windows Xp as a Ntp Network Time Server
Time synchronisation in modern computer networks is essential, all computers need to know the time as many applications, from sending an email to storing information are reliant on the PC knowing when the event took place.Microsoft Windows XP has a time synchronisation utility built into the operating system called Windows Time (w32time.exe) which can be configured to operate as a network time server. Windows XP can easily set the system clock to use UTC (Coordinated Universal Time, the World?s time standard) by accessing an Internet source (either: time.windows.com or time.nist.gov). To achieve this, a user merely has to double click the clock on their desktop and adjust the settings in the Internet Time tab.It must be noted however, that Microsoft and other operating system manufacturers strongly advise that external timing references should be used as Internet sources can?t be authenticated.NTP (Network Time Protocol) is a protocol already install best skin care products ed on Windows XP and is used by Windows Time to keep machines synchronised to the single time source. Specialist NTP servers are available that can receive a reliable time source via the GPS signal or specialist radio transmissions that get their time from atomic clocks.If you wish to configure Windows XP to operate as a time server then first thing is to locate the Windows Time subkey. To do this, run Regedit (Click start/run/then type REGEDIT/and click enter.)Note: editing your system registry can cause problems with your system. It is advisable to back up your system before editing the registry.Now locate the following subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeparametersRight click the right-hand side and click Modify. In the Edit Value box, under Value Data, type NTP and then click OK.Now go to the Config folder and right-click AnnounceFlags, Modify and in the Edit DWORD Value box, under Value Data, type 5, and then click OK.