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Why is merging so slow across a network?

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7 replies

by mhiggins

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I have a client running Win 98, MS Office 97 on her desktop. After replacing a network server (NT4), the client claims that merging 30 names and addresses) in MS Office (on a shared network drive) is extremely slow. What would cause this?

7 replies

by kristink041180

It all depends on the network topology and the speed of the computer network. First Of all if you are using Network Neighborhood it will take a while for a computer to appear. Second of all if you are saving to a network think about how big the file you are saving is. Third of all if the computer you are saving to is slow in speed rating then that could be another potential bottle neck....

by mhiggins

A mapped network drive is being used. The file being save is not large and computer doing the merge has a 333MHz processor nad 64 Mg RAM and the server that is storing the file has a 800Mhz processor and 128Mg Ram. That is why I am stumped....I feel both machines being used in the process are very adequate to handle 30 names and addresses in a merge. This problem only developed after upgrading the server.

by j.black

Before opening Office, clear all files from temp and windows\temp directories on the users system. Also check the amount of drive space available on the users system. If windows cannot create or maintain and swapfile large enough to support user activity this can have a great impact on program performance. What is the file format of the source?

by jolly roger

When you 'upgraded' the server, did you replace the OS? the NIC? Does your LAN use Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps)? Does your LAN use hubs or switches? Try to confirm that the server NIC is running as fast as it might. When connected to a Fast Ethernet switch it should do 100Mbps Full-Duplex. Make sure the Network properties do not include any extraneous protocols. This may not have changed. It depends on what your 'upgrade' entailed. Give us some more info! Thanks.

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