Windows XP "Freezing" and Slow Network Performance

[M. Sawalski]

Just want to do a quick sanity check here....we have a small network: 8 new
Dell PC's running Windows XP Pro, one new Dell file server running Windows
2003, connected via hardwired Cat 5 cable through a Netgear switch. We are
using assigned TCP/IP addresses, with a netmask of 255.255.255.0. We have
the server setup to act as a file server and a DNS server.

We have had a problem since the consultants installed this network with slow
response on the network. Recently we have had two workstations that appear
to freeze or lock up. So if you are in Word, all of a sudden when you press
menu commands or try to type, nothing happens. You still Ctrl-Alt-Del, then
end the current task, and everything is back to normal.

Has anyone heard or seen this type of error before?
Anything we can do or check to make sure everything is setup properly? It
almost seems as though things are getting lost in the network, but since it
is so small, not sure how it could take this long. Any help or insights
would be greatly appreciated!

I have looked through the newsgroup and found some advice, but most of it
seems to be associated with running XP with 98 and 2000. Any known problems
with MS TCP/IP networks?

Thanks!

 

[M. Sawalski]

Interesting...I wondered about the DNS, but thought it was pretty
straightforward, but worth a look. We are using all names rather than IP
addresses.

To make sure I get it right, do you know of any references on the correct
way to setup and run the DNS service under MS 2003 Standard Edition Server?

Thanks!

 

[Ian B]

8 New Dells may mean 8 PC's with Symantec Anti Virus - If so try turning AV
off.
The Dell newsgroup had a lot of similar complaints.
Another suggestion was to stop the NIC's autosensing speed.

Longshots maybe, but simple to try.

Cheers

Ian B