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Clock Skew Error

Problem: I get the error message "Kerberos Login Failed: Clock skew too big. Please check your time, time zone and daylight savings settings." What do I do?

Solution:

This is because there is a difference between the time on your computer and the time on the Kerberos server. To correct this error, follow the below steps:

  • Mac OS X:

    1. From the Apple Menu -> System Preferences -> Date & Time.
    2. Select the tab "Network Time".
    3. Type ntp0.cornell.edu in the the textbox next to "NTP Server".
    4. Make sure that the box "Use a network time server" is checked.
    5. Click on the Set "Time Now" button.
      The message "Synchronization Succeeded" should show up.

  • Mac OS 9:

    1. Go to the Apple menu -> Control Panels -> Date & Time.
    2. In the "Date & Time" window, click on the button "Server Options".
    3. Next to "Network Time Server, there is a pull down menu. Click on that menu and choose "Edit List".
    4. Click on "Add." For the "Descriptive Name", type in "Cornell" and for the "Server Address" type in: ntp0.cornell.edu, click on "Add" again and then, in the next window, click "Done".
    5. Make sure that the box next to "Use a Network Time Server" is checked.
    6. Click on the "Set Time Now" button.
      The message "Synchronization Succeeded" should show up.

Last updated December 2, 2002