Question

Slowdown on a server running SQL Server 2000 and Windows Server 2003

SQL Server 2000, Windows Server 2003, SQL Server performance, SAP Business One

I have a server with SQL Server 2000 SP4 and Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition SP1 that runs SAP Business One.

The server's specs are:
ML350G5 XEON 2.0DC
4GB RAM
6 UNITS SAS 72GB
C:=>Raid 1+0, D:=>DATA Files,
E:LOG files, F:TempDB files
Swith Hub: 3COM 2924 SFP plus
3COM 4210
Cable: CAT5E

I have two databases stored in the D: drive, at 11GB and 5GB, respectively. I have 35 users on the server. Do you have any idea why my server is running so slow on my network?

Check performance monitor statistics. If that does not show you any issues, put a sniffer (e.g. Wireshark) on the network and see what it shows.

You need to identify is the problem is a network problem, or if the slowdown is within the SQL Server. Based on the fact that you have 6 hard drives and only 4 gigs of RAM I would assume that your disks are being pushed about as hard as they can.

Can you provide more information about your hard disk setup, and your buffer cache hit ratio and buffer cache estimated life time? Both those numbers can be gotten from performance monitor.

Do you have AWE enabled within SQL? Do you have the /3GB and /PAE switches in the boot.ini?