Win XP Pro networking problem...

[Ian Francis]

Hello all,

I have a new Laptop running WinXP SP2 on a domain for an office work
environment. Laptop runs great at work, apps are flawless, network fast,
etc. Problem that I am having is that when I take my computer off the
domain (physically unplugged) the computer runs so slow it is unusable.
Typical scenario is that I boot the machine to the windows logon screen
(normal quickness to this point), I get about 1/2 way through entering my
password and the machine bogs down taking forever to do anything. This
usually continues for anywhere between 5 - 15 minutes and then the machine
works at normal speed again; usually ending in about 30 windows opening from
my impatient rampage of clicking icons.

I had originally thought it was a DNS issue so I changed from a static IP
address to Dynamically assigned, but no change in performance. It is almost
like the machine is spending 5 - 15 minutes looking for the Domain
Controller. Any ideas how to stop this?

Any suggestions will be appreciated,

Ian

 

[Chelsea]

Hi Ian
I suspect you are right that the laptop is looking for the domain
controller. You could try going to your network connections, call up your
TCP/IP settings and under the Alternate configuration tab enter any fixed IP
address and a 255.255.255.0 subnetmask. Leave the DNS boxes empty. Another
approach might be to use an app called Netswitcher
http://www.netswitcher.com/ This allows you to have as many network
configurations on your PC as you want.
Your office network may have a roaming profile setup for you in which case
something like Netswitcher may be your best bet.

Chelsea

 

[Ian Francis]

Chelsea,

Thanks for the suggestions. Do you think there is a difference between
using the suggested Alternate Tab with a fixed IP address and just plain
having a fixed IP? I ask because I have tried using a static IP and then
using Dynamically assigned and it still produces the 5 - 15 minutes of
bogged down PC at startup.

Thanks again,

Ian

 

[Chelsea]

I suspect that using the alternate config will have the same effect as
changing your main settings Ian. Try Netswitcher
http://www.netswitcher.com/downloads.htm there is a fully functional 30 day
trial version. The advantage of this app is that you can load different
registry settings for each network you connect too.

Chelsea