Prevent user changing time manually?

Callender said:

Well I can get it to run on a schedule and sync the clock every minute without the program launch window showing up. The problem I've got is that once time sync is complete I get this window.

Attachment 359314

So if I could figure out how to hide it?

In any case even if the system clock was adjusted to always show the correct time using any method - obviously the user will catch on! I mean who doesn't check the time on their mobile phone, wristwatch of office wall clock?

I found a time-sync program, Dimension 4, Thinking Man Software - Dimension 4 v5.3, that runs hidden. I'm experimenting with it.

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts. I will post when I have a resolution.

GaryK

Hmm, Callender's post gave me an idea for a search.

Make Windows synchronize time more often - scroll down to "How to do it: A different scheduled task"

It involves resyncing more frequently with a new scheduled task. Changing the task already present doesn't work! Task can be run as frequent as 5 minutes.

Need confirmation whether it would work in domain environment. It uses w32tm.exe /resync. This might be better than a 3rd party tool if it works for you.

GokAy said:

Hmm, Callender's post gave me an idea for a search.

Make Windows synchronize time more often - scroll down to "How to do it: A different scheduled task"

It involves resyncing more frequently with a new scheduled task. Changing the task already present doesn't work! Task can be run as frequent as 5 minutes.

Need confirmation whether it would work in domain environment. It uses w32tm.exe /resync. This might be better than a 3rd party tool if it works for you.

Brilliant! Yes, it would work better. I see no reason why it wouldn't work in a domain. Thanks!

GaryK

Callender said:

Saw that and it works but must be very easy for an adminstrator to figure out and undo!

Well, she's an admin in name only. Pretty much clueless about computers, so I don't think that'd be an issue. I'm going to try to add System permissions and see if that gets me to where I want. Otherwise I will create a task that schedules the w32time exe to run every hour or so.

By the way--great group of people here.

GaryK

gkarasik said:

GokAy said:

Hey after dinner, I searched for this and found Date and Time - Allow or Prevent Users and Groups from Changing

See if it helps you. (No dry sympathies) :)

Thanks. These alternatives prevent both manual and automatic reset. I want to prevent manual changes, but I want the system time to be correct and to autocorrect as necessary.

GaryK

I just tried this on my home PC, Win 7 x64.

I manually changed the time so it is wrong.
I removed Administrators from the Local Security Policy per Shawn's tutorial.
I attempted to manually change time and was blocked.
I manually ran the built in SynchronizeTime scheduled task.
The scheduled task updated the time correctly, no errors.

Maybe it works different on a Domain, but i don't have the issue on my home PC.

matts6887 said:

Like one of the others mentioned; have you tried to search and see if there is a way to remove the adjust date/time heading from the clock when you right click on it; or even when you double click on it? Try searching the forums using the forum search box and see if it helps ya out any.

Thanks. I have sought but not found. I suspect I could edit a DLL to remove those headings if I know which DLL to edit.

GaryK

Callender said:

Some reading material: Change Internet Time Update interval in Windows 7 / 8

Thanks much. I will look at this.

GaryK