workstation not responding

[iteotwawki]

We have a small network running Peachtree Complete V8 and configured as follows:

Host: Win98
Workstation: Win2K
Switch: Linksys 4 port router
Base 10/100 Realtek ethernet cards on both computers
Memory: Host 256MB, Workstation 512MB
Processor: PIII on both
8.02 update installed on both
V7 registry update installed
config.nt (win2K), config.sys (win98) files= changed per Peachtree

The host computer runs fine and has no trouble. A couple of weeks ago the workstation froze while printing a purchase order, requiriing a taskmanager shutdown of Peachtree on the workstation. I also noticed my LAN connection active and checked the processes running. Found out that w32mdke.exe was running and would not stop (ended process manually). After rebooting both machines several times, problem kept happening. Various error messages occured (lock table full, company.dat, status.dat, etc.)

Here's what we've tried:
Remove and reinstall Peachtree on the workstation (multiple times).
Un-share, re-share, re-map the host path.
Uninstall and reinstall on the host computer (multiple times).
Changed the config files on both computers.
Copied all btrieve files to win32 file on Win2K machine.

Now, the workstation can open the company, start a transaction, or view a transaction. When you try to print, post or close the transaction, Peachtree stops responding, w32mdke keeps running, both of which must be shut down through the task manager. Sometimes, partial information from the transaction will post and be accessible on the host machine, but always corrupted (which we then delete the entire transaction).

We've been running a multiuser V8 since it came out (direct peer to peer), and this particular set-up (switched router) for about 10 months, using it all day, everyday, with no problems. If anyone has any suggestions, they'll be greatly appreciated.

[guest]

[guest]

[guest]

[iteotwawki]

I'm using an HP DJ1220C and an Okidata 810/ePS, both connected via a Linksys Print Server.

No other programs using btrieve. As for the btrieve/Win2K problem, we've had a multiuser set-up with Win98 and Win2K the whole time. The problem is something new.

[iteotwawki]

I've run integrity checks on everything in addition to sync-ing everything else. I also purged everything that could be purged to drop the size of JournalHdr, etc., and no luck. Minor problems were fixed with the sync and integrity checks, but nothing has changed the overall problem: the workstation freezes every time you try to post, print, preview or edit.

[iteotwawki]

The database can't be damaged as it works without a problem on the host machine. All functionality is present, integrity checks are fine, repair company shows no problems, it works like a charm. The only problem I'm having is with Peachtree on the remote machine not connecting or communicating properly with Peachtree on the host. Even then, I can view almost any prior entry, just can't edit or re-post entries, enter new transactions or anything else with the workstation.

[chikamic]

Oh, I did not realize that it was running fine on the host. Under normal circumstances the freeze affects the data only and not the program files. Have you tried reloading the program on the workstation?

[TheWolf]

Peachtree runs fine with win2000.

On to the workstation problem, forgive me if I ask a question already answered as I am pressed for time:

Start simple, replace all NIC drivers
Check connections
If using a hub go to a switch
If on switch swap it out

If the problem is happening on all workstations move it temporarily to a peer to peer and see how it runs. This will either isolate or rule out a problem on the server level.

Hope this helps.

[iteotwawki]

Thank you all for your assistance. I tried all suggestions, but never could get it to work. We upgraded to 2003 and encountered the same problem with the host on Win98 and the client on Win2K. I removed everything and re-installed with Wind2K as the host machine and Win98 as the client and finally got it to work. The only problem we have now is exceptionally slow response on the Win98 machine, but it is working, so I'm not knocking it. I know this is probably one of those cases that I'll never find out what the problem was, but I do appreciate all the help and suggestions. So, if anyone can tell my why it's so slow, I'm all ears. Otherwise, thanks again.