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[Fr3lncr]

After going through many forums and trying everything I can think of, I can't find a solution to my problem.

I bought a 323 for my parents as a file server since they have a laptop, desktop and media player attached to their tv and they wanted to have access to all their files no matter where they were.

At the beginning, everything seemed fine but then (month or so later), the laptop started having trouble opening Outlook pst files on the server.

In short, it seems that the speed accessing the server is so slow, Windows is treating it like the server isn't accessible and wont read the pst file.  Well, any file really.

System configuration:

- Router: DLink DIR-655
- Laptop: HP G70 (I think) which has wireless N and 10/100 LAN running Win 7 32 bit
- Desktop: Dell XPS 420 with a DLink N card running Win 7 64 bit
- NAS: Two WD 1.5TB green drives; static IP assigned

What I have tried:

- updated firmware on the router in case it was something with the router
- updated laptop to Windows 7 SP1 just in case there was a software fix
- tried both with dynamic and static IP on the 323
- rebooted the 323 numerous times
- renamed the 323
- reformatted the drives in the 323
- access on the 323 is kept open so no user accounts
- went from RAID 1 to a normal disk setup as I heard there were issues with RAID setups
- compacted the Outlook PST file (went from 1.3 GB's to 95 MBs - and that surprised the heck out of me that it was that big in the first place)

Most of the troubleshooting I have done is at my place where I connect it straight to my network and after trying all of the above, the primary issue of having trouble accessing a PST file seemed to be okay.  Transferring everything off the NAS to my computer and back after reformatting and changing the RAID array I was getting about 10-12 MB p/s using EXT 3.

However, after reconnecting it to my parents network, the same problem resides:  Outlook wont run accessing the PST file on the 323 (just reads 'Not Responding') and I get the same issue on both the laptop and the desktop.

Even trying to open a 1MB JPG will cause Windows to say the folder isn't accessible.  So, basically while Windows will read it in Explorer, as soon as I try to do anything with it, it just becomes unresponsive.  I left it trying to transfer everything off the 323 to the Dell and the transfer speed was about 600 KB p/s.

Since I can get at least SOME performance out of it on my setup (10-12 MBs p/s), the only thing I can assume is that the 323 really doesn't like to work wirelessly??  At least on my parents setup.

I have already spent about 20 hours trying to fix this and I'm basically giving up.  Will sell the 323 and make the Dell the 'server' using Windows shares unless someone has an idea.

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers.

[dosborne]

Wireless is pathetically slow, but shouldn't be an issue. Combined with firewalls, anti-virus, ant-malware and other software though I can easily see it becoming a problem.

Since it works in your environment, it is obviously something in your parents. You have to disable things and figure out which is killing performance.

[fordem]

In general - storage over wireless doesn't work - your 10~12MBs becomes 2~3MB/s and possibly less if you have high levels of RF.

[ivan]

I doubt the 323 is the problem since it works in your situation.

Have you checked the windows machines for malware or virus?

Have you tried cable connections to the laptop, desktop, router and 323?

You need to check the setup in its operating situation with, if possible, one of your boxes that you have proved works.

[Steve Pitts]

Outlook wont run accessing the PST file on the 323 (just reads 'Not Responding')

I've not had this particular issue (since I don't use Outlook or connect to the NAS wirelessly) but I did have problems with the DNS323 disappearing temporarily during file copies, and fixed that by following the advice found via another post on these boards:

Troubleshooting: Connecting Windows Vista to shared drives and folders

Whilst it advertises itself as applying to Vista, I too am running (the 64-bit version of) Windows 7 and the suggested fix resolved my issues

[Fr3lncr]

I've not had this particular issue (since I don't use Outlook or connect to the NAS wirelessly) but I did have problems with the DNS323 disappearing temporarily during file copies, and fixed that by following the advice found via another post on these boards:

Troubleshooting: Connecting Windows Vista to shared drives and folders

Whilst it advertises itself as applying to Vista, I too am running (the 64-bit version of) Windows 7 and the suggested fix resolved my issues

This is the one thing I saw but didn't try due to it applying to 'Vista' (though I should have tried anyways).  Guess I will try it when I feel up for the challenge.

To the rest, thanks for the responses.  If it is the wireless aspect then I didn't choose the best option for them since the most I can do is wire it to the desktop and the laptop will be continue to be out of luck.

Much appreciated.

Cheers.

[pearljam45]

I quickly skimmed the replies, but no where did I see any mention of advanced format.

are your 1.5TB Western Digital drives model WD15EARS?

If so, stability degrades with time if you are running firmware 1.09 or lower on the NAS.

Consider replacing with non-Advanced format drives, or upgrading firmware to 1.10b.
You will need to format the drives after updating the firmware.