Slow file access on new homw folder server 1

[Eggyh]

Hi,

I wonder if anyone can help me?

A while back I moved all my home folders from an old Windows 2000 Server file and print server to a new one. As the old server was also a backup server, I kept it online for backup jobs only.

Recently I replaced the backup server also. When I took the old server off line (where the home folders used to be), access to the files on the new server slowed to a snails pace (3-4 mins to open a word/excel file). If I copy one of the files to a workstation's hard drive I still get the same slow access. However, if I unplug the network cable, access to the file on the hard drive is instant.

There are no policies in place that would effect it, but it would seem that it's checking for something for ages before it'll open the file. If I turn the original server back on again (even though the files aren't on there any more), instant access is restored!

Any ideas anyone???

 

[itsp1965]

First of all you may want to check your connectivity on this server. Make sure that you are not having issues in negotiating speeds between your NIC and network port. Also ensure that you are not running a half-duplex
Hope this helps.

 

[Eggyh]

Hi,

Connectivity is fine. As I say, access to the files only slows up when the old server where the files used to reside is turned off.

If I make a copy of one of the files and paste it to the desktop of a client machine, access is still very slow unless I either turn the old server back on or disconnect the client machine from the network.

It's like there's a group policy issue and when you disconnect from the network it loads fine under the local policy.....only there're no group policies!!!

It's baffling the hell out of me!!!!

 

[itsp1965]

Okay then.. if it's not network connectivity.. next check name resolution. Is this new server configured with the correct DNS/WINS(if necessary). Was the old server used as a DNS and/or WINS server also.. your clients may be still trying to use it in order to resolve hostnames.

 

[Eggyh]

I got around problem! It was DNS. Neither server is/was a DNS server, but I edited the A record for the old server on my DNS server to point at the IP address of the new server.

Why the client should be looking for the old server I don't know. DNS is now holding a record for a server that doesn't exist anymore, but hey.....it works....that's the main thing.

Any comments would be welcome.

Thanks itsp1965