Windows 2000 network transfer speed problem

[Ed]

Running a small network of four Win2k pro workstations all
with the latest updates / service packs named Server, ST1,
ST2, and ST3. I can upload a 12Mb file from any station to
the one called server in about 1 second. I am using a
mapped drive from each station to the server. Using
\\IP\Share on one and \\server\share on the other, makes
no difference. Only have one protocol loaded, TCP/IP
running 192.168.1.XXX scheme.

List below is the time in seconds to transfer a 12Mb file
up/down.

Server --> ST1=12/1 ST2=37/1 ST3=38/1
ST1 --> Server=1/11 ST2=10/10 ST3=11/11
ST2 --> Server=1/35 ST1=11/9 ST3=10/9
ST3 --> Server=1/36 ST1=12/12 ST2=10/10

The server has a built-on 3COM 3C940 Gigabit NIC
P4 3.0Ghz, 1GB RAM, 1 - SATA80GB and 1 ATA133 Raided
together on the ASUS P4C800 Deluxe Motherboard.

Network cable appears to be in good condition. Tested
possible cable problem by unplugging network cable from a
network printer that sets next to server and hooked it to
the server. No difference in the problem noticed.

This is a new install of Windows 2000 on a new computer,
which replaced ST3 (which was the server). ST3 was renamed
from Server and moved out to replace and old workstation.
No slow issues when ST3 was the server.

A custom 3rd party software required 2 registry changes.
HKLM\System\Current Control Set\Services\Lanman
Workstation\Parameters\

EnableOpLockForceClose = 1
EnableOpLocks = 0

I removed these from the Server and it did not change
transfer rates.

I have Norton Personal Firewall and Norton Antivirus 2003
installed on this station. I disabled both of them for
testing and it did not help.

Any ideas on what it could be would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time.

Ed

 

[BG250]

Funny thing, I just built a server around the same ASUS P4C800 DX board.
After installing the server (win 2003) and flying home, I got a call about
very slow times to open files. 45 sec, the old server was 10 sec.

I tried setting the media type from Auto to 100 half duplex since only
switches full duplex and we had a hub. It seemed to help, but only slightly.
Setting it to 10 half duplex gave us the best performance! The server was
patched and I had the latest driver for the board. I finally said screw it
and told the fellow at the site to disable the integrated NIC and install an
old 3COM 3C905 board. Everything is fast again!

I've had this same problem with Realtek NICs too (usually with database
performance only). I'd always pop in an old 3C905 card and no more problem.

Try a cross over cable from the server to a workstation to test the speed.
This illuminates hub problems. 3COM help says older hubs may have an issue
causing the slow down. They have firmware updates for some hubs. Even if you
don't use 3COM hubs, it could be an issue.

Please post back what you find. I'd like another solution to stuffing 3C905
cards in affected boxes. I have laptops with integrated NICs with the same
problem. I can't pop 3C905 into them!
bg

 

[BG250]

eliminates hub problems, not illuminates them! Sheesh - spell checkers...
I guess it could *illuminate* the hub as being the problem if the direct
cable link is fast...
bg

 

[Ed]

I greatly appreciate your help on this, I will toss a
3C905 in it in the next day or so. I have researched the 3-
COM Officeconnect 3C16754 and it does not appear to have
any updates for it. I seen the typo and understood what
you were saying, so all was forgiven. lol

Will keep you updated. Thanks again.

Ed

 

[Guest]

I put a 3C905B Card into this server and it did not change
the problem. It looks like it transfers about 6MB of data
and pauses for a couple seconds then does another 6MB and
pauses.... Without the pauses, downloading would complete
in the same amount of time as uploading to server. I did
use a X-over cable and connected directly to the station
next to server and problems did not change with either
NIC. I am looking into the Hard drives / Serial/IDE raid
next.