Lockups in PCA 2002

[Wade Dunham]

We have 3 users on a network setup of PCA 2002. The server is running Windows NT 4.0. Each user is responsible for several different companies, and none of the companies is accessed by more than one user.

Two of the users are having numerous lockup problems. They had these problems when they were on version 8 (we just upgraded) with different computers (we just replaced these). The third user has had no problems on either version with either the old or new computers. The printers (H-P LaserJet 1100) on the 2 "trouble" systems are the only hardware items that have not been replaced (other than the server and network cables & switches).

We have run the integrity check, and found no problems.

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Wade Dunham

[Jacky Tse]

Please state the error message given by Peachtree.

Also, what's the network you're using? 10BaseT/100BaseT/? How about the network card and model of switch

What is the hardware configuration of your server? What Windows version you're using with the workstations?

These all information can help to isolate the problem.

[Wade Dunham]

Jacky:

There are no error messages. The computer stops responding.

We are using a 10BaseT network. The network cards in the new computers (Dell 4300 1.6Ghz Pentium 4) are 10/100 PCI Fast Ethernet (I don't know the manufacturer (they were factory installed by Dell), but I'll look inside later when the users come in). The cards in the old computers were an Intel 21140 based 10/100, and a Netgear FA310TX.

The switch is an SMC EZ Switch 10/100, EZ1024DT 24 port.

The server is a locally built Pentium II 400, with 256mb RAM, Adaptec 2940 SCSI controller, 9gb SCSI hard drive, and a 4mb AGP video card, running Windows NT 4.0.

The workstations were running Windows 98 Second Edition on the old computers, and are running Windows 2000 Professional on the new ones.

Thanks for your help.

Wade

[Jacky Tse]

As far as you mentioned, the hardware seems fine. Windows 98 stations should at least have 64MB RAM or more. CPU speed can affect the stability of Peachtree, if it's too slow, then freeze is possible.

Another concern is the Windows NT server network card, which can be a bottleneck also.

Other than the information you can find from the Peachtree manual, you can also search Peachtree's site for information on correct configuration of the stations and server. There're some adjustments to the config.sys that might help. However, the file is in pdf format, so I can't post here. If you want it, please let me know.

In my experience, some common causes for Peachtree hangs are network unstable ( check cables and network cards ), station configuration problem ( too slow or insufficient RAM, etc. ) and Windows configuration problem ( like config.sys ).

Hope this help.