Synchronize Windows Server 2008 (R2) PDC time with external NTP server

PDC need to synchronize to reliable external time source and other member need to synchronize to this PDC only.

For PDC
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Config\AnnounceFlags
DWORD Value, type 5

net stop w32time

w32tm /config /syncfromflags:manual /manualpeerlist:"0.pool.ntp.org,0x1 1.pool.ntp.org,0x1 2.pool.ntp.org,0x1”  /reliable:yes /update

w32tm /resync /rediscover

net start w32time

you can check result from:
- Event Viewer
- w32tm /stripchart /computer:id.pool.ntp.org /samples:2 /dataonly
  error: 0x800705B4 means timeout or no access to NTP server
- w32tm /query /configuration    and look for NTP server value
- HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\services\W32Time\Parameters NTPServer value

to reset back to default
net stop w32time
w32tm /unregister
w32tm /register
net start w32time


For other DC
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Config\AnnounceFlags

DWORD Value, type A

net stop w32time

w32tm /config /syncfromflags:DOMHIER /update

w32tm /resync /nowait /rediscover

net start w32time

FTP command line problem from Windows Server 2008 R2

Symptoms: 

Using FTP.exe server command prompt will allow you to connect out to an FTP site, but no response from ls or get commands

Cause: 

Windows Server 2008 R2 has a strict firewall by default

Solution:

1. Go to: Administrative Tools > Server Manager > Configuration > Windows Firewall with Advanced Security

2. Right click on Windows Firewall with Advanced Security on Local Computer to pop-up Windows Firewall Properties

3. On the Domain Profile tab, settings, click customize

4. Change Display a notification to yes

5. Click ok twice for changes to take effect

For now, at first you run ftp.exe and login, Windows security Alert will pop-up. You check Domain Networks and click Allow Access

Opening Port for FTP and SQL

FTP: 21
sometimes need to open incoming port 20

SQL: 1433