troubleshoot performance

[dlw]

We have a w2k server w/ PIII-733 x 2 processors and 1 gig
of ram, and a 10 gig HD with 2 gig free. There are about
15 RDP users on the system using an Access database
application.
Here's the problem- several times a day, performance will
slow to a halt, and when you look at the server, the hard
drive light is on steady, but the CPU usage is only around
2 to 4%. This just started happening recently.
How can I figure out what is going on here?
I thought spyware at first, but ad-aware came up with
nothing, and I disabled IE just to make sure, but the
problem continues.

 

[Vera Noest [MVP]]

Sounds as if your system is short on memory and is using the page
file on disk continuously. Check your memory usage (in Task
Manager or Performance Manager), and install more RAM.

 

[Guest]

In addition to this the hard drive may need to be replaced with a larger one,
as if you increase the physical RAM, you'll need a larger page file, which
will consume the rest of your disk.

I try to keep at least 30% free disk space at all times to prevent disk
fragmentation and keep performance acceptable.

If possible add a second disk and put the page file on the second disk all
by itself, and on a separate controller if available.

Patrick Rouse
Microsoft MVP - Terminal Server
http://www.workthin.com