Home Forums Discussions Problems Windows Server 2008 and AC 4

I'm having a problem with my new server (HP ML 350 w/12 gb memory and dual CPU) and AC v 4.073. The program runs fine when you log in on the server yet when you try to log in on any of the workstations (wired or wireless) it basically hangs, taking over 10 mins to just get off the log-in screen. We left the old server up (Dell dual core with only 2 gb memory) and AC loads in about a minute or so (slow yet acceptable). My IT guy and AC spent most of the afternoon talking yet weren't able to discover anything (AC Tech support was great and I got someone on the phone immediately). Any one have a thought? ON the old server we run Server 2003 Business. On the new server we are running Server 2008 enterprise. I just upgraded from 4.058 to 4.073. Any known conflicts bet Server 2008 and AC? The workstations primarily run Windows XP Pro, yet the two wireless machines run Vista Ultimate. Thanks.

Scott,

First thing you might try would be to run Amazing Utilities on the server, go to Advanced Options and then click on Test Speed To/From databases. Mine was under a second. Then run them from all of your clients. Again, all of mine were under a second. This may help you isolate where the problem is.

I would try to make sure all of your NICs are on autonegotiate. What switch are you using? Have you tried starting from square one and disconnect all buy one PC and see what the speed is?

I guess compared with ten minutes one minute is acceptable, but I would say anything over 10 seconds is not acceptable. Everything should be as fast as if you were on the server.

I have another idea, but I need to research it some.

Not sure how comfortable you are trying these, but I researched some of this:

Disable IPv6. Make sure the Windows 2008 server is only pointing to internal DNS servers. Disable TCP Chimney, TCP Offload, IP Offload, TCP Checksum, and IP Checksum.

SBS 2003 CAN be on the same network as 2008 if 2008 is not SBS. I think you said it is just Enterprise, correct?

That is correct. The new server is 2008 Enterprise. Thanks for the advice. I will probably tackle this on the weekend as I've already lost a ton of time this week just trying to get back up. I'll update you next week. Have a good Friday and weekend.

Speed on the new server is 1.17 secs at worst. Speed on the old server ranges from 3-5 secs. Speed accessing the old server from my desktop is in the same range (3-5 secs). Speed accessing the database on the new server from another workstation is 130-140 secs. All of these are hardwired and running XP Pro.

Wow, that is a huge difference. OK, here is my idea for the weekend. And, this may sound stupid, but I am BEGGING you to do this. Let's work backwards.

You know you have an XP Pro machine that is not an issue. So, get a crossover cable (not an Ethernet or patch cable) and connect the XP Pro machine DIRECTLY to the 2008. Or even better, get a small Linksys switch with maybe four ports at Best Buy for $50. You can always use it somewhere else.

So, connect the XP directly to the 2008. If it runs slowly, then you can disregard the entire other network. Then it has to be something to do with the NIC or other issues.

THEN...after you have had fun toying with that for a bit, call Dell (I am guessing you have some type of warranty) and just tell them, hey, I can't get speeds faster than three days and let them figure it out. After all, I am sure they put it together.

Thank God, AC and our networks make patient care better, because they surely don't save us time. If you have any questions or want to run things by me, feel free to PM or email. Sometimes, it is just something silly.

AND, CHECK THE FIREWALLS AND INTERNET SUITES. UNINSTALL IF YOU HAVE TO. YOU MAY EVEN HAVE A BAD ETHERNET CARD RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX.

But, I would implore you to isolate the whole issue directly between 2008 and one machine. Again, it is obvious, but if all of a sudden you are getting three second speeds, there is a network issue.

Last thing. Make sure your ethernet cable from the 2008 is Cat5e or better. Maybe even Cat6.

One last thing. If you buy cables, don't go to Cables To Go, go to Monoprice.com. It is only like 30 times cheaper.

Also, if you work on it on the weekend, I have a great life. I will surely be sitting here playing with my network. So, feel free to just vent.