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Q135847: Files Open Slowly From NetWare Server

Article: Q135847
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): 3.50 3.51
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 08-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51 
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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


Additional query words: prodnt ipx spx novell

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNT351search kbWinNT350search kbWinNTW350 kbWinNTW350search kbWinNTW351search kbWinNTW351 kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS351 kbWinNTS350 kbWinNTS351search kbWinNTS350search
Version           : 3.50 3.51

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