Slow Network Browsing - MS Office

[Bob Oso]

Hi there,
We have a small network, w2k Server and a combination of win xp Pro desktops
and notebooks all with MS Office 2003.
One of the notebooks seems to freeze up for a minute when trying to browse
for an attachment using Outlook, and will regularly do the same when
browsing for files from Word or Excel. It doesn't seem to make a difference
if connected via wireless (54Mb) or wired (100Mb)
If the network is disabled. you can browse through directories with no
problem, but of course no network drive.
Since this is happening only on this PC I don't think it's a Server issue?
Am I wrong in assuming this?
I would like to just format the drive and load the OS fresh.
Is there something else I should look at first?
Virus patterns are up to date and a scan reports clean, using Norman Virus
Control.
Thanks for the input...

Bob

 

[Chris Atwell]

Bob just a thought on the computer with office 2003 have you installed the
office desktop search? if this is installed this with slow down network
searchs because its trying to index all the drives its looking on.

 

[Bob Oso]

Thanks Chris,
I am quite certain it is not installed, but I will double check tomorrow.

Here is the weird part, I thought I had it fixed after I disabled the virus
scanner on network files.
I would browse for the files using the shortcuts on the left side of the
Browse window (Desktop, My Computer, My Documents, )
Then I hand the notebook over and see the user make it freeze again
instantly.
The way he would browse is by using the "Drop Down" button.
When using the "Drop down" button it almost always takes a minute before it
allows you to browse (word, outlook, excel).
Again, opened an application, went to open file, used the shortcuts on the
left side of the window - No problem.

What do you think about that?

Bob