Automatically Synchronize the XP Clock with an Internet Time Server

Windows XP allows you to automatically synchronize the computer's clock with an Internet time server. If your XP computer is not part of a domain, this feature might already be enabled. Once enabled, the computer's clock will be periodically checked with an Internet time server and automatically updated as required. You can also use the feature to force an immediate synchronisation.

Here's how:

Double click the computer's clock
When the "Date and Time Properties" window opens, click the "Internet Time" tab.
Place a tick in the check box labelled "Automatically synchronize with an Internet time server".
If you want to force an immediate synchronisation, click the "Update Now" button.
If you have problems connecting to the time server, you may be able to choose an alternative server via the drop down list labelled "Server".
Click "OK" to save any changes and exit the "Date and Time Properties" window.

Once time synchronisation is enabled, the clock should be automatically updated once per week provided that you have a continuous and reliable Internet connection such as ADSL or cable. If you use a non-continuous Internet connection such as dial-up, you may need to use the "Update Now" button to ensure that time synchronisation occurs.

To stop using the time synchronisation feature, go to step 3 in the procedure outlined above, remove the tick from the check box, and then click "OK" to save the change and exit the "Date and Time Properties" window.

XP Tips - Computer Tips for Windows XP