Serious lagging when opening excel file in server 2003

[larciel]

We have server2003 box as file server. 14 workstations connected by Linksys switch and 4-port router.

Whenever we try to open a specific excel file (4MB in size) from a xp workstation, the file takes hours to open. Funny thing is if the first workstation that opens the file is able to open the file in a manageable time period... but if 2nd or 3rd WS tries to open the file, there is so much network lag the computer cannot even open a task manager..

I came up with list of probable causes.. if anyone has a solution or any idea it'd be helpful!

1. DNS setting with server 2003. (Currently get IP from DHCP, will set static IP once we get static IP DSL)
2. Faulty CAT cable. (over 25 very long cables connecting computers from all three floors)
3. A setting with DDE. I tried to disable DDE but the checkbox is still there!

Thanks in adv

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: larciel
1. DNS setting with server 2003. (Currently get IP from DHCP, will set static IP once we get static IP DSL)

What does your ISP have to do with your Server's IP? Presumably it's behind the router and already has a static private-range IP address set. Normally, I'd set all the other PCs to dynamic IP addresses and use the Server 2003 as the only DNS server and only DHCP server. Note: The Server 2003 should refer to ITSELF for DNS information also. Set the server's DNS server to use either Forwarding or Root Hints for public DNS inquiries.

2. Faulty CAT cable. (over 25 very long cables connecting computers from all three floors)

Make sure that you aren't using any hand-crimped cables in your network. Long cables should be attached to RJ45 jacks at each end and short patch cables should be commerically-built patch cables. Also, make sure that all PC and Server NICs are set to "Autoconfiguration" for their Speed/Duplex settings, unless you've verified that manual settings are appropriate in your case.

3. A setting with DDE. I tried to disable DDE but the checkbox is still there!

I have no advice on this one. Is there something special about your Excel files? Do you have this problem when loading a "generic" 4MB Excel file (with no links to other spreadsheets or PC data sources.[/quote]

 

[imported_snikt]

Try running this as you are opening the file. Analyze the data collected; maybe it can shed some light on the problem(s).

 

[spidey07]

You have a name resolution problem. You will need to run your server as a DNS server and point the clients to it.

RebateMonger already covered it, but this reaks of a name resolution problem. There could be other name resolution problems if you're running any protocols other than TCP/IP on ANY network card on the network.

 

[larciel]

I will study about DHCP and DNS on server 2008 and set them up asap.

Before that I just tested a computer from both on a 2nd floor and from 1st floor. (server is located in 2nd fl)

On 2nd floor, file opens fast and windows boot up fine, but when the computer is in 1st floor, same file takes about 2 minutes to open and windows hangs when booting up (System hangs 3-5 minutes after desktop loads)

Is it safe to assume that the lagging comes from physical limitation? (Wires especially)

I ran some tests and overall network thorough output is slow between 1st floor and the server..

Thanks again for help