Handling Other Network Problems

Handling Other Network Problems

The following list details some other common problems that could affect your network:

Operating system conflicts. Operating system upgrades sometimes can cause older programs to become incompatible with the operating system itself. This problem is compounded in network environments because, during the transition to a new network operating system, some servers will run the new version for a period of time while others are still running the previous version. Microsoft recommends that you perform a test upgrade on an isolated part of the network to ensure that all hardware and software systems function properly when the upgrade is made.
Server crashes. A server disk crash can be disastrous if you aren’t adequately prepared for it. You should devise a system of regular backups and, depending on the nature of your data, explore other safeguards such as a RAID fault tolerant system. (Refer to Chapter 9, “Disaster Recovery.”)
Power fluctuations. A small fluctuation in the power supply can make the network misbehave. If the power goes off completely—even for a moment—the whole network could shut down, causing users to lose their work in progress. A disorderly shut-down also can cause problems with file servers. The best solution is to prepare for a power outage before it happens. Connect each server to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), and encourage your users to perform occasional saves as they work.

If you implement all the measures discussed so far and you still experience problems, your next step may be to consult the experts. Or, even before you start your own troubleshooting, you may want to consult the available information to learn more about the problem. The next section discusses some online and offline sources of help.