• Stays invisible for a user, practically not taking any system resources and network bandwidth to operate;
• Can sync time over the Internet using 16 predefined time servers, as well as lets you specify your own NTP servers;
• Can sync time on computers connected to a (local) network;
• Can repeat synchronization at a user defined time interval;
• Works on a principle - "Set it and forget it".

• Requires user account with administrative privileges;
• Requires Internet/network connection for synchronization.

Manual

• tSync.exe - The main executable file needed for the Internet and/or network synchronization.
  INFORMATION: Move this file to any location on your hard drive (Example: "C:\Program Files", or even "My Documets" folder);
  IMPORTANT: Do not move this file to a removable or temporary medium, such as Jump Drive, Flash card, floppy disc, CD, DVD, etc.
   
• tSyncRemote.exe - The executable file needed to be installed on each computer on a network that you'd like to sync time for.
  INFORMATION: Move this file to any location on your hard drive (Example: "C:\Program Files", or even "My Documets" folder);
  IMPORTANT: Do not move this file to a removable or temporary medium, such as Jump Drive, Flash card, floppy disc, CD, DVD, etc.
  INFORMATION: This file is not necessary if Network Synchronization is not used.
   
• RELEASE NOTES.txt - A text file giving developers' release notes for each version of the software.
  INFORMATION: You can use this file to see what improvements were made in the latest version of the software;
  INFORMATION: This file is not required for the operation of the software and should not be moved along with the files specified above.

The following options are available:

• Run every time when current user logs on - set this checkbox if you want tSync to run in the background every time you log on to the current Windows user account;
  INFORMATION: When activated in this mode, tSync will write itself into the Windows System Registry that may cause an anti-virus program warning.
  IMPORTANT: This option should be unchecked if you decide to run tSync as a service (or when "Computer starts" from within the Task Scheduler)!
   
• Enable Internet time sync - set this checkbox if you want to make tSync to synchronize the system time over the Internet:
  INFORMATION: The Internet connection is required for this option to succeed. In case when Internet connection is not available at the time (as for dial-up connection) tSync will wait and attempt to synchronize the system time when the Internet connection is available.
  INFORMATION: Precision of the system time synchronization depends on a particular NTP server, as well as the type of the Internet connection. For the most accurate time synchronization tSync relies on the principle that transmission time to send data packet equals to the time needed to receive the same-size data packet, thus network connections with a fairly equal "send" and "receive" times will provide the most accurate synchronization results.
  INFORMATION: The current Windows user time zone is used to adjust the system time during synchronization.
  INFORMATION: You may receive your firewall warning during the time when tSync attempts to synchronize time over the Internet.
   
  • Repeat sync every - makes tSync to repeat Internet time synchronization at a certain frequency.
    INFORMATION: The minimum allowed Internet sync frequency is 1 minute, the maximum allowed frequency is 9,999 hours and 59 minutes. In case Internet connection is not available during the next scheduled sync, tSync may extend the current waiting period for synchronization.
    INFORMATION: If this option is off as well as the "Enable TCP/IP time sync", tSync will close automatically when the Internet time sync succeeds.
     
  • Time Servers button - lets you edit the list of NTP time servers that tSync uses to synchronize system time over the Internet;
    INFORMATION: tSync will use NTP servers in order presented in the "NTP Time Servers" window starting from the one on top and going down the list if that server doesn't respond.
    IMPORTANT: It is recommended to keep at least several NTP time servers for tSync to choose from during the Internet time synchronization.
    IMPORTANT: When adding new NTP time servers, it is strongly recommended to enable the Internet connection for tSync to validate them!
     
  • Sync Now button - click this button to manually synchronize system time over the Internet.
    INFORMATION: This option resets the "Repeat sync" waiting period.
     
  • Synchronization Schedule window - displays the stats for the Internet time synchronization.
     
• Enable TCP/IP time sync - set this checkbox if you want to make tSync to synchronize the system time on other computers on the network:
  INFORMATION: Read below for instructions on how to set up a simple Ethernet-based network connection.
  INFORMATION: You may receive the firewall warning during the time when tSync attempts to synchronize time over the network.
   
  • Polling Frequency - allows to specify how often tSync should repeat the network time synchronization.
    INFORMATION: The minimum allowed network sync frequency is 1 minute, the maximum allowed frequency is 9,999 hours and 59 minutes. In case network connection is not available during the next scheduled sync, tSync may extend the current waiting period for synchronization.
     
  • Sync Now button - click this button to manually perform network sync on all computers in the "Remote Machines" list;
    INFORMATION: This option resets the "Polling Frequency" waiting period.
     
  • Remote Machines list - displays IP addresses, connection ports and synchronization stats for all computers on the network that tSync will attempt to synchronize the system time for;
    INFORMATION: Click Add button to add (or Edit button to edit) network addresses and connection ports for other computers on the network that you'd like tSync to adjust the system time for.
    INFORMATION: The maximum number of network machines that tSync can adjust time for over the network is 99.
    IMPORTANT: To be able to adjust time on remote machines on the network each of those machines must have a copy of tSyncRemote running at the time. (Read below for more information.)
    INFORMATION: In case network synchronization was attempted for a network machine the date & time of such attempt will be displayed in the "Last Attempt" column of the list. If synchronization succeeded its date & time will be displayed in the "Last Sync" column of the list.
    INFORMATION. Precision of the network time synchronization depends on the type of the network connection. For the most accurate time synchronization tSync (and tSyncRemote) rely on the principle that transmission time to send data packet equals to the time needed to receive the same-size data packet, thus network connections with a fairly equal "send" and "receive" times will provide the most accurate synchronization results. For the Ethernet connection the variance in time precision should not exceed 1-2 seconds.
     
    • When you click the Add or Edit button you should see the "Add/Edit Network Machine" window. Specify IP Address for the remove machine, and port number that you'd like to use for the TCP/IP protocol communication with the tSyncRemote module running on that machine. Click OK when done.
      INFORMATION: To read how to determine the IP address of the remote machine see below.
      IMPORTANT: Although accepted port numbers range from 1 to 65535, it is recommended to use port numbers above 1024. Also make sure that there's no conflict between existing software already using such port. The recommended port number is 32888.
      IMPORTANT: Make sure that each copy of the tSyncRemote module is set up to use the same port number as specified here.
       
• Apply button - click this button to apply changes made in this window.
  INFORMATION: Changes made in this window will take effect only when you hit this button.

After the tSync options are applied (by a click on the Apply button), or discarded by a click on the X (Close) button, tSync will be minimized to the system tray. You should see its icon next to the Windows system clock:


After that tSync does not require any additional attention!

You can access tSync context menu by right-clicking its icon in the system tray. A pop-up menu will appear with the following options:

• Sync Internet Time Now - option allows to manually synchronize the system time over the Internet;
  INFORMATION: Read above for more information.
   
• Sync Network Time Now - option allows to manually synchronize the system time over the network on all computers specified in the "Remote Machines" list;
  INFORMATION: Read above for more information.
   
• Options... - displays the Options window that allows to change tSync settings (See above);
   
• Exit - closes the tSync program and removes it from the Windows System Registry, preventing it from running again when the current user logs on;
   
• About - option displays the About tSync window with the information about the program.

• Move the tSyncRemote.exe file to each remote computer that you'd like tSync to adjust system time for;
  IMPORTANT: Do not move this file to a removable or temporary medium, such as Jump Drive, Flash card, floppy disc, CD, DVD, etc. Use any accessible folder on the hard drive instead.
   
• Run tSyncRemote module by double-clicking its icon.
  IMPORTANT: You may receive the firewall warning when you run tSyncRemote module. It is important that you allow bidirectional (full duplex) access to the port used for the time synchronization. It is advisable that you set up your firewall (anti-virus program) beforehand to accept incoming and outgoing TCP/IP protocol connections to a port number specified in tSyncRemote (32888 by default).
  INFORMATION: tSyncRemote module writes itself into the Windows System Registry auto-start key to be able to start next time when the current user logs on.
  IMPORTANT: Do not run tSyncRemote module if you decide to activate it as a service (or when "Computer starts" from within the Task Scheduler). If it is already running, then exit it!
  INFORMATION: Windows Vista users read below for additional information and limitations.
   
• It's done!

To access the tSyncRemote module context menu options right-click its icon on the system tray (by the system clock):

• Open - opens the window with the following controls:
   
  
   
  • TCP/IP Server Connection - allows to specify the port number that will be used for communication with the tSync program;
    IMPORTANT: It is important to set up your firewall to allow the full bidirectional access to this port for the tSyncRemote module!
    IMPORTANT: Make sure to specify the same number for the port as it is used in the tSync program.
    IMPORTANT: Although accepted port values range from 1 to 65535, it is recommended to use port numbers above 1024. Also make sure that there's no conflict between existing software already using such port. The recommended port number is 32888.
     
  • Status window - displays the stats for the system time synchronization;
    INFORMATION: You should see a message after each time synchronization attempt in this window.
     
  • Apply button - click this button to apply changes made in this window.
    INFORMATION: Changes made in this window will take effect only when you hit this button.
     
• Exit - closes the tSyncRemote module and removes itself from the Windows System Registry, preventing it from running again when the current user logs on.

1. Right-click on the tSync icon in the system tray (next to the system clock) and select Exit;
2. Remove the tSync.exe file from the location where you moved it to during the manual installation (described above);
3. Although not necessary, if you'd like to clean up the System Registry values used by the program, remove the following key:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\from Dennis Babkin\tSync

1. Right-click on the tSyncRemote icon in the system tray (next to the system clock) and select Exit;
2. Remove the tSyncRemote.exe file from the location where you moved it to during the manual installation (described above);
3. Although not necessary, if you'd like to clean up the System Registry values used by the program, remove the following key:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\from Dennis Babkin\tSyncRemote

1. Both tSync and tSyncRemote require administrative privileges to be able to change the system time. Under Windows Vista this triggers the UAC warning when these programs are run for the first time, as well as when the system is rebooted. Check the following workarounds available at this time:
    
   • Allow tSync and tSyncRemote to run with elevated privileges by manually doing so;
     IMPORTANT: You will also have to manually allow both programs to run when system reboots by responding to the system message, "Windows has blocked some startup programs". There's no means to automate this process. We understand your inconvenience but we're unable to change anything at this time. You may want to direct your complaints to Microsoft.
      
   • Run tSync and tSyncRemote as a service at the Windows startup;
     INFORMATION: For details see FAQ Question #1.
     IMPORTANT: Although possible, this option is not favored by the developers of this software!
      
   • Turn off the User Account Control (UAC).
     INFORMATION: By doing so you will make your system more "XP-like". Click here to learn how.

1. tSync and tSyncRemote can run when the current user logs on, but can I make it run when the system boots up (before any user logs in)?
    
   Although not designed specifically to run as a service (or from a non-interactive desktop) you may set up both tSync program and tSyncRemote module to run when computer starts up. The downside of such approach is that you will not be able to see the programs' icons on the system tray to be able to control them or to see the status of their operation.
   
   For Windows 2000/XP:
    
   • Run tSync (or tSyncRemote) under a user account with administrative privileges and set it up the way you want it to operate (see above);
   • Exit the program. In either case of tSync or tSyncRemote right-click its icon in the system tray (next to the system clock) and select Exit;
   • Go to Start -> Control Panel, and click "Switch to Classic View" on the left, then double-click Scheduled Tasks;
   • In the Scheduled Tasks window double-click Add Scheduled Task and find the tSync.exe (or tSyncRemote.exe) file by clicking the Browse button;
   • Specify to "Perform this task" "When my computer starts";
   • Specify the Windows user name (that you used above) and the password for that user, if applies;
   • Click Finish to add new task;
   • Reboot computer.
      
   For Windows Vista:
    
   • Run tSync (or tSyncRemote) under a user account with administrative privileges and set it up the way you want it to operate (see above);
   • Exit the program. In either case of tSync or tSyncRemote right-click its icon in the system tray (next to the system clock) and select Exit;
   • Go to Start -> Control Panel, and click "Classic View" on the left, then Administrative Tools and double-click Task Scheduler;
   • Click "Task Scheduler Library" in the pane on the left;
   • Click "Create Task" in the Actions pane on the right;
   • Give this task some descriptive name (Example: tSync or tSyncRemote);
   • Check "Run whether user is logged on or not";
   • Make sure that "Do not store password" is unchecked;
   • Check "Run with highest privileges";
   • Go to the Triggers tab and click New button;
   • Specify "At startup" in the "Begin the task" box, make sure that "Enabled" is checked and click OK;
   • Go to the Actions tab and click New button;
   • Specify "Start a program" in the "Action" box, then click Browse and locate the tSync.exe (or tSyncRemote.exe) file and click Open, then OK;
   • Click OK again and specify the Windows user name (that you used above) and password for that user (if applies) to add new task;
   • Reboot computer.

   In case you'd like to remove tSync (or tSyncRemote) from the auto-start, do the following:
   
   Windows 2000/XP:

   • Go to Start -> Control Panel, double-click Scheduled Tasks;
   • In the Scheduled Tasks window right-click the tSync (or tSyncRemote) task icon and select Delete. Confirm deletion;
   • Reboot computer.

   Windows Vista:

   • Go to Start -> Control Panel -> Administrative Tools and double-click Task Scheduler;
   • Click "Task Scheduler Library" in the pane on the left;
   • In the pane listing tasks in the middle right-click the tSync (or tSyncRemote) task line and select Delete. Confirm deletion;
   • Reboot computer.
      
2. How do I set up a network for tSync to synchronize time on remote machine(s)?
   
   You will need the following components:
   • Version of Microsoft Windows that supports networking (recommended: Windows 2000/XP/Server 2003, or Vista/Server 2008 - see limitations);
   • Network card on each computer (the network card may be already built in your motherboard - in this case check for presence of the Ethernet jack);
   • In case of more than two computers you will need a network router;
   • In case of more than two computers you will need Ethernet cables to connect each computer to the router. In case of only two computers you will need a "cross-over" Ethernet cable to connect two computers directly.

   Perform the following steps to set up the network required by tSync program:

   • In case of more than two computers, connect each computer's network card to a router using Ethernet cables. In case of only two computers connect their network cards directly using the "cross-over" Ethernet cable;
     IMPORTANT: In case of connecting two computers directly it is important to use the "cross-over" Ethernet cable instead of a regular/patch Ethernet cable.
      
   • Power on computers and the router, if present;
      
   • When Windows boots up it should detect new network connections and initialize them;
     INFORMATION: You may need to install additional drivers for the network card(s) before you will be able to use the network. Refer to the network card documentation, if the card was not installed before.
     INFORMATION: You may need to set up a network connection manually for the older versions of Windows.
     INFORMATION: Your router may need additional set-up before it is ready to accept network connections. Refer to the router documentation for additional information.
      
   • Set up network connections:
     • Windows XP: Go to Start -> Control Panel -> Network Connections, then right-click the network connection (it may be called something like, "Local Area Connection") and select Properties. Make sure that "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" is checked, then select that line and click Properties. Put a check next to "Use the following IP address" and specify the following: "Subnet mask" should be 255.255.255.0, and "IP address" should be 192.168.1.N, where N = the number between 1 and 255, that is unique per each computer on the network. The "DNS Server addresses" could be left blank. When done, click OK.
       IMPORTANT: The above instructions apply only if the network connection was not set up before.
        
     • Windows 2000: Go to Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Network and Dial-up Connections, then right-click the network connection (it may be called something like, "Local Area Connection") and select Properties. Make sure that "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" is checked, then select that line and click Properties. Put a check next to "Use the following IP address" and specify the following: "Subnet mask" should be 255.255.255.0, and "IP address" should be 192.168.1.N, where N = the number between 1 and 255, that is unique per each computer on the network. The "DNS Server addresses" could be left blank. When done, click OK.
       IMPORTANT: The above instructions apply only if the network connection was not set up before.
        
     • Windows Vista: Go to Start -> Control Panel -> Network and Sharing Center. Click "View Status" next to the network connection and click Properties. Make sure that "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" is checked, then select that line and click Properties. Put a check next to "Use the following IP address" and specify the following: "Subnet mask" should be 255.255.255.0, and "IP address" should be 192.168.1.N, where N = the number between 1 and 255, that is unique per each computer on the network. The "DNS Server addresses" could be left blank. When done, click OK.
       IMPORTANT: The above instructions apply only if the network connection was not set up before.
        
   • Set up tSync program on the main computer to account for each network machine using their IP addresses (read above);
     INFORMATION: It is recommended to select a computer that has the (fast) Internet connection to put tSync program on. This way you can also synchronize time over the Internet on all computers on the network.
      
   • Run tSyncRemove module on each remote machine (see above).

   Refer to the manual above for more detailed information about the software setup.
    

3. How do I learn the IP address of a remote machine on my network?
   
   Perform the following steps on remote machine which IP address you'd like to learn:
   • Windows XP/2000: Go to Start -> Run. Type cmd and click OK. Type ipconfig in the Command Prompt window and hit Enter. The desired address will be displayed in the "IP Address" field for your network connection.
      
   • Windows Vista: Go to Start and type cmd in the search bar, hit Enter. Type ipconfig in the Command Prompt window and hit Enter. The desired address will be displayed in the "IPv4 Address" field for your network connection.
      
4. When tSync (or tSyncRemote) is run I see the following message, "Another instance of the program is already running. Close it to re-start it again..."
   
   This message means that tSync program (or tSyncRemote module) was already started either by another user, or as a service in a non-interactive desktop. You do not need to run another instance of the program in this case. In case you want to change settings for the program, or to uninstall it you will have to either log in as the user that initially started the program, or remove it from the Windows auto-start if it's run as a service. Refer to the Question #1 for more information.
    
5. When I run tSync (or tSyncRemote) it resets my clock one hour behind (or forward). How do I fix that?
   
   This happens because you do not have the latest update for your operating system from Microsoft. This is especially true for users in U.S. where in 2007 and in 2008 the Congress passed several changes to the way the daylight saving is observed. Please follow the link below to download and install the update on each computer where you're running tSync (or tSyncRemote):
    
    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/951072
    

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