Files Open Slowly From NetWare Server

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5 and 3.51
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5 and 3.51

SYMPTOMS

When you open a file in Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel from a computer running Windows NT and Client Services for NetWare (CSNW), and the file is located on a NetWare server, the file loads 1000 percent slower than it does when accessed on a Windows for Workgroups client computer.

CAUSE

This problem occurs on Windows NT clients using NCP burst mode to load files stored on NetWare 3.12 servers in a multiple route WAN environment.

If, during a burst of several fragments, a fragment is received in the wrong order or a fragment is dropped, CSNW requests the missing fragment be retransmitted. This is usually handled very quickly. However, if two fragments are sent and the second fragment arrives first, Windows NT CSNW (NWRDR.SYS) sees that the NCP offset is not zero and discards the fragment (packet). When the first fragment arrives, Windows NT then waits approximately one second for the second fragment to arrive before timing out and requesting that the second fragment be retransmitted.

The problem is due to the routers configuration.

WORKAROUND

To resolve this problem, install the fix mentioned below.

Set the MAXPATH router configuration parameter to 1. This ensures that only one network path is used to route NCP burst mode packets.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT versions 3.5 and 3.51. This problem was corrected in the latest U.S. Service Pack for Windows NT Workstation or Server version 3.51. For information on obtaining this update, query on the following word in the Microsoft Knowledge Base (without the spaces):

   S E R V P A C K