How to Reset the NTP Skew File

NTP, or Network Time Protocol, is a protocol for synchronizing a computer's clocks with NTP servers over the Internet or a local network. A computer's battery or hardware may not work properly and keep time with the same degree of accuracy that NTP servers relying on atomic clocks can. In this case, NTP creates a skew file, also known as a drift file. This file contains information about what degree the computer's clock is too slow or too fast, allowing NTP to account for the inaccuracy and adjust the clock. If NTP is running on your system, you can reset the skew settings by removing the drift file, forcing NTP to recreate it.

Instructions

Windows

1. Click "Start" and "Computer."

2. Navigate to the "C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc\" directory.

3. Right-click the "ntp.drift" file and click "Delete."

Linux & UNIX

1. Open a terminal. Click "Applications," "Accessories" and "Terminal" on Linux.

2. Type "su" and press "Enter" to become the root, or administrator, user. On Ubuntu, type "sudo su" instead.

3. Type your root password and press "Enter."

4. Type "rm /etc/ntp.drift" and press "Enter."

References

• Cisco: Unified Contact Center Express (UCCX) Server - Troubleshoot NTP Issues
• HP: ntp.drift
• Ubuntu: su
• Ubuntu: sudo
• Ubuntu: rm