We have a simple network here with 2 computers 15 feet apart that we store job files on one for easy backup and both machines take a long time to access the shared folder, even of the "server" or the machine that stores the files, We have a linksys router and wonder how we can speed up the access time, it takes literally 1-2 minutes for the folder to open on BOTH machines, what are we doing wrong and how can we correct it.

Thanks!

Randy

ScottGem

What type of network cards do you have? What type of cabling? What are the specs on the machines? Is the second PC just used for storage?

rjm2090

Intel Pro/100 Network Card (mine)

Intel Pro/100 VE Network Card (where files are stored)

Standard Ethernet cabling (I think, like phone jack cables)

P4 2.66 512 Ram XP Pro SP2 (mine)

PD 3.00 1GB RAM XP Media Center SP2 (files stored on this machine)

ScottGem

Hmmm, is the Media Center PC being used for anything else except file storage?

Otherwise I don't see much of a cause for this. Your PC is light on RAM but that still shouldn't matter that much. I would try doing matienance on both machines; Defrag, malware scans etc.

rjm2090

The Media Center machine is just used for work we are a kitchen cabinet shop and we use a 3D modeling design software program.

We do regular maintenance on both machines, defrag, virus, spyware, etc.

I am amazed that it takes so long to just open the mapped network drive from my machine and while on the other machine, I just tried to open the files on that (file storage machine) and I'm watching the flashlight searching for the files on the machine they are stored on.

ScottGem

Well a 3d Modeling design program is a resource hog. If you are trying to do other things on that PC while its running I could imagine slow downs.

Is that program Vista Compatible? I would ver much consider adding a dual or quad core based PC with 3 MG of RAM just to run that program. Then just use the Media Center as a file server. At the very least bump up the RAM on the Media Center

rjm2090

Scott, the 3D program should not be a factor as if I simply go into windows explorer and click on the mapped drive to view it and stare at the flashlight for 1-2 minutes while it attempts to open for viewing (with the 3D program NOT running) it just baffles me that we can't access this drive with the computers 15 feet apart with I would think adequate network cards and proper cabling. We have no plans to upgrade to Vista as I have heard not good things about it. Our only plans are to upgrade both machines to a computer optimized for our 3D program.

ScottGem

Well here I disagree. Of course you have heard bad things about Vista. There were bad things said about XP, ME, 2K, 98, 95, DOS etc (get the picture). There are MILLIONS of PCs out there yet the percentage of complainst about a new operating system are relatively small.

I've been running Vista for a year now and haven't had any problems worth speaking about. The think is there are 64 bit versions of Vista. If your modeling program is compatible with those versions, then it WILL benefit from Vista. I would discuss it with the program's vendor. If they recommend XP, then stay with it. If they agree that Vista is a better platform for it, don't hesitate.

rjm2090

The 3D software (32-bit) has issue's with Vista and I have heard and talked to too many who absolutely hate Vista to the tune of taking machines back and having XP installed but, that is another story. I am still confused why access to this mapped drive is so slow even on the host machine?????????

chuckhole

First, turn off the Router and Cable/DSL modem for 30 seconds. Turn on the Cable/DSL modem and then 30 seconds later, turn on the Router. Reboot both PC's and try to map a drive and perform a file transfer. A full reset works more often then not.

If not, then:

Are you using DHCP or fixed IP addresses? Does your router support DHCP?

Does your router have an integrated switch in it?
Hopefully yes or you are using a switch connected to the router (and if so reset it along with the router above).

What are the speeds of the ports on the router/switch? 10MB? 100MB? 1000MB?
Hopefully 1000MB.

What type of cable are you using? Look on the jacket of the cable. Is it CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6?
Hopefully CAT6. Do not use CAT5/5e for Gigabit Ethernet. Do not use less than Cat5e for Fast Ethernet.

Are the network card configurations set to Auto-Negotiate the link speeds?
If not, set them to Auto-Negotiate.

Also, how many network type cards are installed in these machines? Do they have a 1394 connection? Do they have a wireless connection? Are they dual LAN cards?
If so, disable ALL except the active port.

Check the binding orders and preferences. Right-click on My Network Places and select Properties. Select Advanced in the Network Connections menu and select Advanced Settings. Make sure that your connected network card is at the top of the Adapter Connections order. Check that TCP/IP is bound to your provider. Open the Provider Order tab and move Microsoft Windows Network to the top of the provider list. Save all and reboot.

To check the network card settings, right-click on My Network Places and select Properties. Right-click on your connected adapter and select Properties. In the connections settings, verify that File and Print Sharing is enabled. To the right of the network card, click Configure. Select the Advanced tab. In the properties window, verify the following:

Speed & Duplex - Auto
Flow Control - Auto (preferred), RX TX Pause (send & receive).
Frame Size (MTU) - this setting may not be available for your NIC but if it is - set to 1500. DO NOT attempt to use Jumbo Frames - 9014 - unless all of your equipment can handle it. Unless you have spent over $2000 for your switch, it is not likely it can.