Slow Directory Listing Over network

We just started evaluating W2003 and came across this problem:
There is a directory with about 10000 spreadsheet files in it and listing
that folder on the networked workstation usedto (windows 2000 server) take
about 2 to 5 sec. now with windows 2003 takes about 45 sec to 1 min.

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Szukaj Przyjaciul Tam Gdzie Spiewaja
Bo Zli Ludzie Piesni Nie Zanja

In news:C6C7CA1C-70D8-48E5-BB6E-(E-Mail Removed),
Vietka <(E-Mail Removed)> stated, which I commented on
below:
> We just started evaluating W2003 and came across this problem:
> There is a directory with about 10000 spreadsheet files in it and
> listing that folder on the networked workstation usedto (windows 2000
> server) take about 2 to 5 sec. now with windows 2003 takes about 45
> sec to 1 min.

Sounds like it could be a simple DNS misconfig on the new server if it's a
DC, such as using an ISP's DNS in IP properties (of any machine that is part
of a domain or a DC). If you can provide an ipconfig /all of the
workstation, the 2003 machine would be helpful.

It also sounds like it *may* possibly be an SMB signing issue on a 2003 DC
(and I assume you mean athe 2003 machine is a DC - domain controller).
Disable SMB and see what happens. If it doesn't help, just set it back.
811497 - Error Message When Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 Client Logs On to
Windows Server 2003 Domain:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=811497

It could also be an issue with a NIC driver.

Take a look at these articles to see if they're helpful:

321098 - Slow Network Performance Occurs If You Copy Files to a Windows 2000
Domain Controller:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...en-us%3B321098

321169 - Slow SMB Performance When You Copy Files from Windows XP to a
Windows 2000 Domain Controller - [Due to slow SMB performance based on TCP
ACK]:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=321169

You experience slow file server performance and delays occur when you work
with files that are located on a file server:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=822219&SD=tech

You experience slow file server performance and delays occur when you work
with files that are located on a file server:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=822219&SD=tech

--
Ace

This posting is provided "AS-IS" with no warranties or guarantees and
confers no rights.

Having difficulty reading or finding responses to your post?
Instead of the website you're using, I suggest to use OEx (Outlook Express
or any other newsreader), and configure a news account, pointing to
news.microsoft.com. This is a direct link to the Microsoft Public
Newsgroups. It is FREE and requires NO ISP's Usenet account. OEx allows you
to easily find, track threads, cross-post, sort by date, poster's name,
watched threads or subject.

It's easy:
How to Configure OEx for Internet News
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=171164

Ace Fekay, MCSE 2003 & 2000, MCSA 2003 & 2000, MCSE+I, MCT, MVP
Microsoft MVP - Directory Services
Microsoft Certified Trainer

Infinite Diversities in Infinite Combinations
Assimilation Imminent. Resistance is Futile
"Very funny Scotty. Now, beam down my clothes."

The only thing in life is change. Anything more is a blackhole consuming
unnecessary energy. - [Me]

I have struggled with this for months and I think I found a solution.

For example, selecting START > RUN and acessing one of my W2K servers (i.e.
typing g:\) and instantly I get the drive contents. This is the same with all
the 2000 servers. With the 2003 server typing p:\, and it takes a couple of
seconds to see anything. When browsing folder contents on the 2003 server, a
folder with many files can take 5-6 seconds to display while explorer shows
"searching for items" on the window status.

I found my solution. The issue is described in KB328890. Adding a
TcpAckFrequency variable on the XP SP2 workstations dramtically sped up
performance. Apparently in XP and 2003 changes were made in TCPIP that delays
TCP acknowledgements to reduce network traffic. The reg setting forces XP to
acknoweledge every packet. Big difference. Hope this helps