How to Optimize Windows NT Server Using the Registry

ID: Q232271

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, make sure you understand how to restore it if a problem occurs. For information about how to do this, view the "Restoring the Registry" Help topic in Regedit.exe or the "Restoring a Registry Key" Help topic in Regedt32.exe.

SUMMARY

This article describes procedures for manually configuring the server service.

There may be times when it is necessary to configure the server service during a scripted, or unattended install.

MORE INFORMATION

To configure the Server service, follow these steps:

In Control Panel, double-click Network.

On the Services tab, click the Server service, and then click Properties.

There are four configuration options for the Server service listed here:

Minimize Memory Used

Balance

Maximize Throughput for File Sharing

Maximize Throughput for Network Applications

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys and Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it. If you are running Windows NT, you should also update your Emergency Repair Disk (ERD).

When you configure one of the four options for the Server service, the information is saved to the following two registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lanmanserver\parameters\size

Your choices for this registry key are 1,2 and 3.

1 = Minimize Memory Used
2 = Balance
3 = Maximize Throughput for File Sharing and Maximize Throughput for Network Applications

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\LargeSystemCache

Your choices for this registry key are 0 and 1.

1 = Maximize Throughput for File Sharing
0 = Maximize Throughput for Network Applications

Some programs, such as SQL and Exchange, set this value during an installation. For these programs, the optimal setting is 0.
0 = Indicates that the computer does not go outside its cache pool and use program memory to perform I/O functions.

1 = Indicates that the computer looks outside of its cache pool and uses program memory to perform I/O functions. This occurs if the cache is full.

The Windows NT 4.0 Resource Kit contains a tool called Regini.exe, which can be used to script changes to the registry. For information about this tool, please refer to the Regini.doc file or type regini /? at the command prompt.

REFERENCES

For more information, please see the Windows NT 4.0 Resource Kit or the Windows NT Deployment Guide.

http://www.microsoft.com/TechNet/winnt/deploy.htm

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbenv kbsetup
Version : winnt:4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbinfo