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?
