word problems over network

[Ian]

I have a small peer to peer network, but keep constantly having several
small annoying problems with word 2000. The main one of these is constantly
being asked to save the template (I think this is the normal.dot problem) I
have previously deleted all copies of this file but still get the problem.

Also word runs very slow on one of the PC's, not sure why this is. The other
problem is that one of the users when closing Word gets told that someone is
using his files, when they are not open anywhere else. Could this be because
Word has crashed sometime and it still thinks the file is open?

Does anyone know of any solutions to these problems? Any help appreciated,
thank's.

Ian

 

[TF]

Ian

You simply have a mass of problems caused by poor configuration and bad
network management. Many of the problems will be resolved by simply removing
the accumulation of abandoned temp files.

1. Start a computer and DON'T open any applications
2. Use Windows Key + R and type in a . and press enter
3. Open the Local folder and then the Temp fold. This should be empty.
Use Ctrl+A and delete everything in the Temp folder.

Start Word and test again. You should do this on all the computers. Some
other tips:

Do a good housekeeping on all the computers by searching for appropriate
abandoned files and deleting them. Empty Wastebaskets. Run a full ScanDisk
and then a full defrag. In Word make sure that under Tools, Options, File
Locations, all paths are set using UNC paths and not using mapped drives.
Don't try sharing normal.dot: every user needs their own local normal.dot.
Network printers: sharing printers through the parallel ports is poor
network practise. Make sure that you have a good Fast Ethernet network
switch and not an old hub. If you have more than 5 PCs, get a server. Have a
good back and disaster recovery plan.

--
Terry Farrell - Word MVP
http://www.mvps.org/word/


I have a small peer to peer network, but keep constantly having several
small annoying problems with word 2000. The main one of these is constantly
being asked to save the template (I think this is the normal.dot problem) I
have previously deleted all copies of this file but still get the problem.

Also word runs very slow on one of the PC's, not sure why this is. The other
problem is that one of the users when closing Word gets told that someone is
using his files, when they are not open anywhere else. Could this be because
Word has crashed sometime and it still thinks the file is open?

Does anyone know of any solutions to these problems? Any help appreciated,
thank's.

Ian