files not opening in win2k???????

[wigs]

I have two buildings with win2k server in building 1. win2k pro on machines in both buildings. There is a fiber optic link between the two building. Problem is if I try to open a large file of 1mb or more in Word while in building 2 the program goes straight to not responding, but only some of the times. A 6mb powerpoint file opened up on it today okay, a little slowly though. I have tried opening the word file on a new Pentium 4 2.4ghz machine, same thing not responding. Any ideas?

[Dave22]

Does the same thing happen if you are in building 1 (on the same wire)?

Have you plugged a PC directly into the switch that the server is plugged into?

Does it only happen with Windows 2000 Pro machines?

Do you get slow file copies TO the server from building 2?

Do you get slow file copies FROM the server to building 2?

Does it only happen when opening MS Office files?

[wigs]

files while in building one work fine
have not tried a pc directly into switch yet. Building two goes computer to switch to patch panel over fiber optic cable to building 1. files seem to copy fine, sometimes saving to the server from a particular program won't work but copying from workstation comp to server will. There is also a winXP computer in buidling 2 that is having the same problem. It seems to happen with all programs. Sony video cam software, Cadkey files and all types of Office files.

[Dave22]

I'll assume there are no other operating systems in use and if that's the case, you're probably not looking at an OS issue. I'll also assume this is a flat network... IOW, no routers. So far it looks like the problem is in the remote location (building 2).

Possibilities:

- Bad fiber causing flaky sync of signal (poor terminations, break or bend in line, pesky rodents)
- Bad fiber tranceiver (if you use one)
- Bad fiber module/GBIC in either switch (if you use them)
- Bad switch in either building
- Duplex/speed mismatch

Are these managed switches?
If so, do you see errors on either side?
Are NICs and/or switch ports set to "Auto" or are they hard-coded w/ speed and duplex settings?
Have you had the fiber tested end-to-end?
Do you have a spare hub or switch to swap into the equation to make sure each switch is OK?

[wigs]

I unplugged the switch waited 7 seconds and plugged it back in. So far so good and everything seems to be working. Of course now they'll find something else they don't like the way it works. (like the network getting slow at 9am when everyone else comes in) thanks for everyone's help anyway. Made me feel real stupid when I found out what it was.

[Dave22]

Just curious...

Which switch did you unplug?

Did that switch have the fiber uplink or is it connected to a transceiver?

[wigs]

I think it has the fiber uplink. Would it make a difference?

[Dave22]

Yes in the sense that rebooting the switch probably caused the fiber signal to "re-sync". If you had a separate transceiver, then it likely would have been something other than the fiber link.

Mostly for my own curiosity. Thanks.