Networking and Explorer.exe

[Guest]

Recently, I connected my Windows XP SP2 machine to a wireless network. I then
realized an odd pattern of behaviour from parts of the OS that work through
explorer.exe. For some reason, whenever the computer is connected to the
network, anything that is controlled by explorer.exe slows down. This
includes the Desktop, the Start button, menu, and tool-bars, My Computer, and
Windows Explorer. Selecting and opening folders through Windows Explorer and
My Computer are not affected, but when a file or shortcut is right clicked or
double clicked on, the mouse pointer turns into and stays as the hourglass
for about 10 seconds before what would have normally happened (when not
connected to the network) actually happens. I have a similar problem with a
machine at work that also runs on Windows XP SP2, but is connected to a wired
network. Is there something fancy that explorer.exe tries to do when
connected to a network that slows it down? Is there a way of disabling or
patching this? I would appreciate any suggestions that will lead me to an
answer to this problem.

 

[Chuck]

Recently, I connected my Windows XP SP2 machine to a wireless network. I then
realized an odd pattern of behaviour from parts of the OS that work through
explorer.exe. For some reason, whenever the computer is connected to the
network, anything that is controlled by explorer.exe slows down. This
includes the Desktop, the Start button, menu, and tool-bars, My Computer, and
Windows Explorer. Selecting and opening folders through Windows Explorer and
My Computer are not affected, but when a file or shortcut is right clicked or
double clicked on, the mouse pointer turns into and stays as the hourglass
for about 10 seconds before what would have normally happened (when not
connected to the network) actually happens. I have a similar problem with a
machine at work that also runs on Windows XP SP2, but is connected to a wired
network. Is there something fancy that explorer.exe tries to do when
connected to a network that slows it down? Is there a way of disabling or
patching this? I would appreciate any suggestions that will lead me to an
answer to this problem.

Either the browser infrastructure, or name resolution, could contribute to
latency like you're describing. I had the same sort of experiences with my
workgroup. I setup a domain last week, with a domain controller, and a DNS
server, and performance is waaay better.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/address-resolution-on-lan.html>
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/setting-up-domain-or-workgroup-plan.html>
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/07/windows-networking.html>

It may be possible to tune your network. Provide "browstat status" and
"ipconfig /all" from each computer, from each computer. Read this article, and
linked articles, and follow instructions precisely:
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp>