Network is very slow

Try running a sniffer. There could be lots of reasons that the network is degraded, including a NIC going out, bad wiring, port on the switch/hub going out, etc.....

But a sniffer will tell you what kind of traffic you have going on, and give you a good place to start looking for issues.

As i started reading you post it seemed so firmiliar i had to look at the author to double check that it wasn't myself posting. I had nearly the same symptoms on my network with nearly the same environment. I have about 15 windows XP workstations and a 2003 SBS. Here are a few things I ran across in persuite of a solution that worked... First what kind of switch do you have that connects all the workstations? assuming its 10/100mbit, is it managed? if so you can try pegging the ports to run at 100mbit Full Duplex, instead of auto-negotiating with the clients which would give you mixed performance results such as files taking various amounts of times to transfer. Also if your entire infrastructure is 10/100, then set all your NIC's on your workstations to run at 100mbit FDuplex. Providing there is no other interference the changes should create a 100mbit full duplexed pipe between your cleint machines and the server, it has no choice but to run at full capacity. For your own curiocity run a bandwidth meter that would tell you the exact speed that your network is currently transfering at when you have major activity such as transfering files.

I do agree with running some type of sniffing program to investigate what other traffic is going across your network.

Also make sure to download the latest drivers for your NIC's. A strange but odd situation that i was in ended when i just replaced the Intel pro100Nic's in my desktops with brand new Linksys 10/100Mbit cards, set it to full duplex for kicks and i have never had issues with any other machines in my network.

Just curious if this issue is specific per user(Profile issues) or per machine(hardware issues) and if the transferes are to/from the server/client. hope this helps.

As soon as I read your question, I instinctively have to ask what kind of gear you are using.

Switches? Hubs? And what types/brands? (the branding question is important because there are "pseudo crapo switches*" like the stuff you buy at BestBuy or Staples and then there exists real switches, like Cisco for example).

*Note: The switches you buy at Best Buy are great for home use, I bought my wireless router there actually. But for commercial grade networking you need the more feature rich and proven realiability of a higher end switch than what those stores offer, that is what I was saying.

Routers?Gateways?

I'd look at your hardware first is what I'm saying, then if you have good (healthy) gear that is configured properly, look at your cabling. If the cabling is in good shape and tests fine, then look into software issues.

hey, i mess with the settings on the NIC, i change the link n duplex to 100/half....This boost up the speed on file transfers by A LOT. It is still the intel pro100 card, i did not put in the linksys card....i need to test it on our other locations now....the cisco 2950 are managed and i believe they were left at default, whoever install them.....i am new in this industry and perfer not to mess with the cisco stuff too much yet, unless the consultants are here......
Hey Nyxbox...THANKS A BUNCH....i really super appreciate your advices.....

hey, so changing the link/duplex setting help with the speed a lot.....but i was wondering...how did you config the port speeds on the 2950? do i have to console in or can i change the modes from the front of the switch.....by the way, i have a 2950 and a 2900 switch....
THANKS