How to Diagnose Time Synchronization Issues on Virtual Box Windows Images

Maclean Liu(刘相兵

How to Diagnose Time Synchronization Issues on Virtual Box Windows Images

Applies to:
Oracle Virtual Desktop Infrastructure - Version: 3.2.2 and later   [Release: 3.0 and later ]
Information in this document applies to any platform.
Goal
To gather sufficient information to resolve issues where system time on VirtualBox Windows Virtual Machines does not stay synchronized with other trusted system clocks.
Solution

1. Disable the Virtual Box Services within your VM. e.g. On XP: Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services -> Virtual Box Guest Additions Service -> General -> Startup Type -> Disable.

2. If on Windows 7, disable the built-in NTP client i.e. Control Panel -> Clock, Language, and Region -> Date and Time -> Internet Time -> Change Settings -> Uncheck 'Synchronize with an Internet Time Server'.

3. Find and disable any other programs that might adjust the clock (Anti-virus programs have been known to do this. Check Event Viewer for Event Type 520.)

4. Make sure your host is keeping good time.


5. Now correct the time on the VM manually.

6. Monitor time on the Virtual Machine closely now.


7. If time jumps are seen, look in the Event Viewer to see if it captured what/who changed the time. This should show up as an event type 520.