Windows Server won't startup

[Guest]

Hi all,

My Windows 2003 server is a primary domain controller and it is also the
Exchange server. This morning i have to do a restart, but it take forever to
"apply the Network setting". When startup the windows, i know it needs to
find all the network setting and structure. But this time it is taking way
to long. It just can't move on... any idea. i have done a few restart, but
it is not help. any idea, please?

Thanks

 

[Steve Duff [MVP]]

The #1 cause by far for this is an incorrectly configured or
unreachable DNS server. In most cases like yours, this will
be the server itself.

For example, if you unplug the network cable to the server,
the server's own IP (which is also the DNS server IP) will no longer
be reachable, and you may see this problem. Or if the server's
network settings don't point to itself for DNS, or if DNS isn't
starting, etc. etc.

You should wait >>at least 30 minutes<< before you conclude
that it won't boot to the login screen. Domain controller startup
can take a very long time if it can't resolve DNS, especially
if you have multiple network adapters in the server, it is the
only domain controller, and other applications like Exchange
trying to start too.

Once the server is logged in, check DNS operation as described
above, and look in the event log for clues. If necessary, start the server
in safe mode, safe mode with networking, or directory services
restore mode. Whatever works to get you logged in.

Steve Duff, MCSE, MVP
Ergodic Systems, Inc.

 

[Larry]

How long does it take to finish booting or how long have you waited before
you rebooted? I have WS 2003 and it takes about 5 minutes to establish the
network settings. The event viewer shows several errors which I have been
too lazy to fix. The errors are why it takes so long.

 

[Guest]

Hi ,

Thank you very much for your ideas,

We have waited for 40 minutes, but it still won't do the job, I can restart
it in Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking. They are all fine.

we are running it on a HP server, which got two network cards, there is a
team function in the HP utility and allows you to team up two network cards
to share the work load.

Anyone has experience working with HP server with these silly cards?

Cheers

 

[Steve Duff [MVP]]

(They are actually very good cards.) It is
doubtful they are your problem.

As you can get in, what is listed in the event
log during the failed bootups?

Steve Duff, MCSE, MVP
Ergodic Systems, Inc.