Windows XP Networking

[Euphoria]

This is the first time I've had this problem and have no idea why! I've just reconfigured my network (only a couple of computers in the same Workgroup) when asked to restart and said yeh ok, and now when logging into Windows it takes about 8 minutes for the network to come up. I've tried setting it up again and changing the Workgroup name just to see if that would make any difference but no luck. I use Norton Internet Security 2005 but haven't had this problem in the past. There are a load of errors in the Event Viewer but nothing that really gives a clue as to what the problem is.

Any ideas anyone?

Thanks :o

[georDIE]

Try disabling Norton (or better yet, uninstalling it and finding something better...). What are the messages in event viewer? Is this happening on every computer in the workgroup or just one?

There is a registry tweak which I can't remember off the top of my head which can speed up network browsing in XP - it's worth giving that a go.

[Euphoria]

Error message:

The Fast User Switching Compatibility service failed to start due to the following error:
All pipe instances are busy.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.

*****

I used to use McAfee 2005 but thought I would give Norton a go. Not had a problem until now. Any ideas on the registry tweak?

[bluspikez]

Well, after doing a quick google, the trusty search engine revealed this info

http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=108

I think I'm going to give it a go on my system and see if it helps because I have that problem (sluggish network browsing). I hope that helps.

[georDIE]

There's a page here (http://ko.offroadpakistan.com/computing/2003_06/winxp_network_tweak.html) that tells you how to do it. It stops XP from looking for scheduled tasks on the remote machine which can take a bit of time (even when there isn't any there). IIt's also possible to force it not to look for printers though I've never sen any speed increase from that.

[georDIE]

Looking at the error message you were getting, I would try turning off quick user switching and see if that helps. You can do that by going to the conrol panel, then user accounts and untick the box. I personally don't use the welcome screen at all.

[Euphoria]

Cool thanks for that! Not sure why but I think it was Norton! Took it off and all seems normal again. No load times at all.

Thanks for the help guys :)

[Slamdog]

sounds like another symantec problem for sure...

why do most problems dissapear when people un-install norton this or norton that?

i was going to ask if it was a peer network or a client server based one but seeing as good old notrun has been dealt a death blow and that cured your problem i wont need to know!

[bluspikez]

seeing as good old notrun has been dealt a death blow and that cured your problem i wont need to know!

That is why I quit using Norton. It hogs resources and causes problems. I'm happy with my free AVG antivirus, and I've gotten many people hooked on it too. It works great for me.

[Slamdog]

back in the old days when peter norton owned the products they were good. since he sold out to symantec the products are just pants now...

[Euphoria]

It is just a Peer Network, nothing to complex! Only a crossover cable between mine and my brother's computer. As for Norton, the network had been up and running for well over a month, no idea why all of a sudden it went tits up! I've just installed McAfee 2005 again so will see if the problem reoccurs. Fingers crossed it wont.

[Euphoria]

It's doing it again... didn't take quite 8 minutes, but still long enough :(

[Euphoria]

The only other thing I've installed since this problem started is the latest version of Alcohol 120%. It has some StarWind service that constantly wants access to the Internet. I've uninstalled it and all seems ok again, but for how long...!