Delayed file deletes and log offs in Windows 2003 server

[Crimsoneyes]

I have one Windows 2003 server that just started acting up. The log files are clean, so I need some direction as where to look.

Several weeks ago, out of the blue, the server started acting in the following manner:

1. When clicking on a folder, then pressing Delete key or right-clicking and choosing Delete, it takes upwards of 3-5 minutes before the files are actually deleted. You get prompted to delete right away, but the window that shows "deleting" remains up with no progress bar for 3-5 minutes. It acts this way on every size file I've tried.

2. When clicking the Start Menu to Log Off, it takes 3-5 minutes before the actual Log Off button appears. Once it does finally appear, the system logs off normally. It is that initial click of Start\Log Off that triggers this. During that time, you cannot click the Start Button again, or anywhere on the Task Bar and get a response. It acts like the Explorer Shell is hung.

This is a Windows 2003 server running the latest service packs and windows patches. Again, this behavior didn't start after a patch install or any significant change, it just seemed to start out of the blue. It continues this behavior even if you restart the server.

Thanks in advance for any direction.

 

[Crimsoneyes]

I just opened Performance from the Administrative Tools Group. Right away, there are three monitors running as follows:

1. Pages/sec in blue. Every second the graph is bouncing between 60% - 100% and 80% - 100%.
2. Ave. Disk Queue Length in green. Every second it is going from 0% to 100%. Sometimes it is 50% - 100%.
3. % Processor Time in Red. This is maintaining about 2% - 5% across the board.

Does this help in any way?

 

[IllogicallyLogical]

Try running the disk cleanup wizard and getting rid of all the files you don't need. Have you emptied the Recycle Bin? Try running chkdsk /r from the command line (you'll have to restart the computer) and then defrag the hard drive. Then go pop some popcorn, grab a drink, and watch a movie as this will all be a time consuming process.

Joey
A+, Network+, MCP

 

[Crimsoneyes]

Thanks IllogicallyLogical.

The page file settings were set at "Custom 2048 Initial, 4092 Max". Page file was located on C drive. I changed the min and max to both be 4092. I left the page file on C since the main data share is D. D is where I create/change/delete files.

I will defrag the D drive now. C has 24GB free and D has 598GB free, so it isn't a space problem.

 

[IllogicallyLogical]

It is always good practice to check the drive for errors before you defrag, so be sure to run the disk check.

Joey
A+, Network+, MCP