Networks

Ask something
Question Locked

Network slow after removing old server - Why?

0 helpful
6 replies

by juiceboxhero

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.

We recently replaced several servers with one brand new HP storage unit. Most of the old servers came down without any problems. The last remaining server is old Compaq unit that we used as a file server. All shortcuts have been redirected to the new server, offline files is turned off, and no one on the network should be accessing that server for anything. When we disconnect that server, we get a noticeable network slowdown. It seems like workstations are attempting to connect to that server and then timing out when they cannot find it.

While researching this problem, we discovered that the prior IT regime used this same server as a WINS server. We don't need WINS (everything is 2000 or XP) and have attempted to turn it off. When that failed, we turned on WINS on an active server, in hope of the new one taking the old one's place. No dice.

Our network has approx 200 workstations, 15 servers, 5 DC's (diff locations), is DHCP, using DNS and is running a Windows AD setup.

We noticed that on most workstations/servers, a check of nbtstat -c lists that old server, even after a refresh.

How can I get rid of the network slowdown so we can toss this server?

6 replies

by ashij

Hi!
We had the same problem with our network. All we had to do was remove the reference to a certain server and some users who had the problem had to refresh the cache.

you can try refreshing/purging the cache.

nbtstat -R or -RR

If that doesn't work, then you'll have to try some intricate measures.

Ash

by juiceboxhero

We tried this. The server goes away in the short term, but comes back within a few minutes/hours.

by itengineerguy

Question do you use DHCP? Go to DHCP mmc and then server options and set new wins server ip address. Set DHCP address lease to expire in one day. This should refresh clients. Or you could remove WINS period.

by juiceboxhero

I changed the DHCP lease period, and all DHCP's point to a different server for WINS.

On the old server, I have been monitoring the open sessions. There a few workstations and servers that seem to stay connected permanently, though if I repeatedly press F5 (refresh), other computers come and go, as if they're checking in with the old server, though it is not running as the DC, DHCP, time server or even as a file server. Could this be due to NetBios or WINS leftovers, or is there some other service that is running?

by pgalvan

I am having a similar problem with an old application server that was just a member server. If I turn it off, the network slows to a crawl. Did you ever resolve this? What did you try?

This discussion is closed to new replies.