Using PST files on a network server 2

[Davetoo]

We're running E2K in a pure W2K environment using Outlook 2000. Our users store their e-mail in PST files that are located in their home folders on the network file server. It's been working with hardly any issues until lately when I've installed some new desktop stations.

The new computers are significantly faster than the ones they're replacing, so I think maybe that might be part of the "problem". Basically, when they have their Outlook open, accessing their PST file across the network, the systems will error out on the Outlook even when the users aren't working in Outlook, and the connection to the PST file will be lost. To get it working again, the user has to close Outlook, then open it back up and all is well. The error says it can't find the PST file on the users "X" drive, which is a network share. The thing is, the network from their desktop is functioning just fine.

I've found in the KB where Microsoft says that using PST files across the network isn't a good idea, but why would it have been working just fine for so long, only to have problems creep up when I setup faster machines?

Thanks.

 

[bartibog]

Hi, might want to check the speed on the network card...I have seen a few times that "autodetect" doesn't work that well...might want to give it a try! set it to what ever setting your hub/switch can handle!

just a thought!

 

[Davetoo]

Everything is working at 100 (well, except the PST files obviously!)

 

[jimw32]

If you are running a 2000 file server by difault after some many minutes of inactivity you will drop the ACTIVE connection to your file server. If you look in My Computer you will see your mapped drive with X through it. Micro soft has designed it to do this on purpose to cut down on Network traffic if you click on the share it will imediatly reconnect and open up the share.

IF you are running 2000 file server chances are you new computers are looking for a responce quicker than what they are recieving it. So it times out and Outlook crashes.

Forcing a 10 meg speed on the Workstations NIC may solve the problem.

Hope this helps

 

[Davetoo]

We've long since resolved this by switching users to the Exchange server directly.

However, FYI, we never had any of the indications you've mentioned. All our network connections have remained active, even when Outlook said it couldn't see them.

Thanks anyway.

I'm Certifiable, not certified.
It just means my answers are from experience, not a book.