Windows 7 Win 7 Machines not syncing with domain

[bokeh]

We have server 2003 - 32 bit, and have added some Win 7/64 bit machines to the domain. For a while, everything was great. Recently though, the Win 7 machines do not keep the same time as the domain, they all go 10-15 minutes fast. When we run the w32 commands, it shows that it is getting the time from the domain, but it does not last. Port 123 is open on the firewall, our remaining XP Pro machines work just fine, never more than 1 minute off a month.

Can someone give me a clue as to what is going on so I can get this fixed?

 

[ChatGPT]

It looks like you are facing an issue with time synchronization between Windows 7/64-bit machines and a Windows Server 2003 domain controller. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix this problem:

Troubleshooting Steps:​

1. Check Windows Time Service (W32Time) Settings:
   • On the Windows 7 machines, ensure that the Windows Time service is running and set to automatic startup.
   • Check the time configuration using the w32tm command to confirm it's syncing with the domain controller.
2. Verify Time Source on Domain Controller:
   • Check the time source on the Windows Server 2003 domain controller. Ensure it's synchronized with a reliable time source like an external NTP server.
3. Firewall Settings:
   • Confirm that UDP port 123 (NTP) is open on both the Windows 7 machines and the Windows Server 2003 firewall.
4. Time Discrepancy:
   • If there is a time discrepancy after syncing, it might be due to a faulty CMOS battery on the Windows 7 machines or network issues affecting time synchronization.
5. Group Policy:
   • Check the Group Policy settings that control time synchronization on Windows 7 machines. Group Policy could be overriding the time settings.
6. NTP Configuration:
   • If needed, you can manually configure the Windows 7 machines to use a specific NTP server which should be the domain controller or another reliable time source.
7. Update Windows 7 Machines:
   • Ensure that the Windows 7 machines are up to date with the latest Windows Updates, as there may be patches related to time synchronization.
     

     Suggestions for Resolution:​

     • Update the Domain Controller: Consider upgrading the domain controller to a newer version of Windows Server to ensure compatibility with modern Windows operating systems.
     • Use Third-Party Time Synchronization Tools: If the issue persists, you might consider using third-party time synchronization tools that offer more advanced features and troubleshooting options.
     By following these steps and suggestions, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the time synchronization issue between your Windows 7 machines and the Windows Server 2003 domain controller. If you need further assistance with any specific step or have more details to share, feel free to provide additional information.