Terminal Server connections hang when running Outlook

[iamwiz82]

I have a strange issue.

We run a Win2k3 server as our Terminal Server. This machine has approximately 20 people configured for it with anywhere from 3-5 people on it at any given time. If any user runs Outlook from the TS, the first time they try to do anything for the first time, it will freeze. That is, if they open an E-mail, the first one will hang for about 30 seconds, then if they respond, it will hang for 30 seconds, and if they run spell check, well, you get the point.

Now, if they are to do the same thing after the machine had already hung up, it will run perfectly, no problems at all.

This server is a dual 2.8ghz Xeon, 2GB RAM. It is also a dedicated TS server.

 

[DG659]

i think its the cache being built. (not enuff ram in your server)
what version is outlook ? if you are using outook 2003 i would untick the use exchange cached option.

personally i would not use outlook on a TS server .i would give them a VPN connection back to there desktops and have them connect direct to exchange server or use the outlook web component it they are working from terminals rather than desktops.

 

[joepc]

They should be able to use outlook though. I would check out the cached option to see if disabling it clears up the issue. What version of outlook are you using? Have you run any office or winodows updates? How does the machine run locally? Anything in the event log about something hanging?

 

[iamwiz82]

We are using Outlook 2k. Locally the machine runs flawlessy, which is why this puzzles me. If I connect through RDC over the LAN, it works flawlessly, as well. It is only when I try to run it from machines connected through the VPN.

 

[joepc]

What are using for VPN and what do you have for an internet connection?

 

[iamwiz82]

Using VPN to connect to the TS from which users run basically everything.

Internet conenction doesn't matter. Anywhere from dial-up to EDGE to cable.

 

[joepc]

Are you using MS VPN or 3rd party? What is does your TS server have for an internet connection?

 

[iamwiz82]

We use Checkpoint for VPN.

The server is on a 1GB ethernet with a T1 for Internet. The T1 is shared among the rest of the company, as well.

 

[ascotta]

Switch word off as the e-mail editor.

[blue]Arguably the best cat skinner around ! [/blue]

Cheers
Scott

 

[joepc]

Well it definitely sounds like a VPN issue. When logged on to the TS server via the VPN how does outlook web access run?

 

[iamwiz82]

Web-based E-mail is not enabled, for security purposes.

Previously this was a Windows 2000 Server with TS and clients running Outlook over the VPN had no troubles. The whole problem started when we upgraded to Windows 2003.

Any other program will run flawlessly when working remotely, it is just Outlook being difficult.