Any IT people out there...............

[Bob Thomas]

I need help!

I work for a small Police Dept. I was recently placed in charge of our network system only because I know a little..and I mean a LITTLE about computers.

We have a network system with 10-12 computers. On our Windows 2000 server, we have Norton Coporate Edition antivirus. THe definitions have not been updated since 03/03. On said server, we have a dial-up modem. Using AOL, I dialed in and attempted live update. I keep getting bombed out. It then empties my temporary internet files stating "Not enough memory" I just found out that there is only 2mb of memory to work with.

A. Will increasing my RAM get this problem fixed?
B. Is there another way around this for the time being (budget constraints right now)

Symantec just keeps giving me the generated response "Run LiveUpdate" which I cannot do right now.

HELP!! Anyone want a part-time job?

[JohnR]

I need a fulltime job ...

Your Windows server should not just have 2MB of "memory" free but anything is possible...

Couple things you need to determine first then let me know:

* Which version of CorpEdition?

* When was the last system backup? Does anyone know how to restore just in case?

* How much disk drive space is available on the C: drive, other hard drive partitions

* How old is the server? Speed? Does it run a lot of applications? Does this problem happen after the server has been running for a month?

* How much Virtual Memory is allocated - Right click My Computer -> advanced -> Performance Options -> settings and tell me how much "virtual memory" is allocated and on which drive

* For conserving hard drive space, in INternet Explorer, go to tools, internet options, general, temp internet files, settings, change amount of disk space used to 30MB (could be at several hundred right now) system might seem to hang as Temp files are purged - recheck to see how free hard drive is...

* AOL sucks for most business needs, are there any other connection options?

[The Dad Fisherman]

I agree w/ pretty much JohnR and his suggestions. Especially the back-up info. make sure you have and can restore a back-up.

one thing you could do in the mean time (while you get more memory for your server) is to download the updates and manually load them in. That way you take live update out of the loop.

here is the link for the Virus Defs

http://securityresponse.symantec.com....download.html

I would also go to the microsoft site and check for the latest security updates. A lot of crap has been going on w/ microsoft's security since 03/03 and you should get patched ASAP

Here is the link for Microsoft. Just click on the scan link and it will tell you what Updates you need for your server.

http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp

Be aware that since you're on a dial-up through AOL that this is going to take awhile to do.

And again before you attemt any of this make sure that you have a current back-up of your system.

Good-luck

[JohnR]

TDF - I didn't want to get too far ahead just in case the server was built with a small sysvol and they are indeed running out of drive space on it - happens too often where a 2-3GB partition is eaten up in no time or a larger partition with too many apps... I'm somewhat convinced that its a disk space issue (or partially AOhelL) and not a physical memory capacity issue

[Bob Thomas]

John & TDF,

Thanks for the start in the right direction!

I work mids so when I get in there tonight, I'll start with the list you sent John.

Looking back in the records last night, it appears the server was built in 2001 by a company in MA. We are running about 8 applications only. It's a small department. Unfortunately, I cant seem to find the actual work order so I'm going to have to hunt around the system tonight.

I loaded the update manually but have a concern that Symantec won't answer. Since I had to download the update from another computer, did I just get the update for THAT DAY or did I get the entire update from 03/03?? My guess is that it was only that one day.

Oh well, after 5 hours in the hot little computer room last night, looks like another 5 in there tonight

I'll post the results tonight....hopefully

[Bob Thomas]

Oh boy, John....after checking into the things you asked, I'm pretty peeved right now!

We are running Symantec Corporate 2003

Backup.........what's that???

C: drive has only 143 mb of disk space left.....not good since we have a new windows based program coming in!

I believe the server was purchased in 2001. Not sure of speed...where can I find that. No "Pentium X" listed on the cabinet. It runs maybe 10 applications at a time.....Microsoft office and some other junk. Happens whether the server has been restarted or up for some time

Virtual Memory - 768 mb

Connections..........nothing! We have an external 56k modem. I was just trying to use a coworkers aol account to try to get the update done as quick as possible.

So what does it look like..........new server???? I don't like having 143 mb of free space on the C: drive. sad thing is that it's only a 3 gb C: Should I purchase a new hard drive? If so, how would I get everything existing into the new drive?

I guess it's time to take come IT classes! WAY over my head right now!

[The Dad Fisherman]

Bob, If you give me the manufacturer, make and model I'll see if I can find some info for you on it. 2 years isn't mega old for a server. my guess is you may have another partition for a D: drive or extra drive space that isn't being used. If you can tell me what operating system your using that may help also. let me know and I'll see what I can help you w/

[JohnR]

Bob - what TDF said. You just have too much loaded on the C: drive. There will be some items that can be moved but you will need to load everything new on another drive. A 2-2.5 y.o. server should be sufficient for your current needs. Might need more physical memory or disk space but the core server should be fine. Like TDF said, Manufacture & model #...

It is not good to run any system volume out of disk space so don't load up anymore on it. With that said, don't delete anything unless you are beyond absolutely sure you can.

As for new drive, just buying a hard drive might not work. Hopefully there is some kind of redundant SCSI system in there that has not been fully utilized. Runing down to CompHell & buying a drive is probably not what you would want to do.

Also, and I'm being very sincere when I say this, if there is anything at all of substance on that server you need a full backup system and restore proceedure in place. If/When the system pukes, anything on there could be gone or perhaps still recovereable at exorbitant fees. You guys need some sort of backup.

Want to know the funny thing - I applied to be the IT guy for NESPIN but never even got a call back

[Bob Thomas]

Ok...I'm starting to follow you guys here. From what I can see, everything that is loaded on there is needed....'cept of course for the AOSmell I loaded to try to update the server.

My problem is that I have large programs and they just keep getting larger. Our future In-House system will grow constantly with adding incidents, arrests, "Rap" sheets etc. I definately think I need some more disk space!

From what I can gather, the server is 3 years old...max. We have another "Mail" server that is not being used. I'm trying to research what that has for space etc.

Basically, I need to get in touch with the former IT guy to see what he did and did not do.

I feel so confused!

Thanks to you guys for the information and help. THe people I talk to at the computer vendor seem like they just want to sell me something or I feel like I'm bothering them. I don't get the warm & fuzzies calling them

I'm back Saturday night. I'll let you all know what I can find out. Thanks again!!!!!

[Raven]

Originally posted by Bob Thomas
I need help!

because I know a little..and I mean a LITTLE about computers.

1.you must think of your mind also -> as a computer, in that it remembers all thoughts as well.... you just have to learn to access them.... so better to say: i am learning alot about computers each and every day(
2. nortons a ballbuster)
.....Windows 2000 server, we have Norton Coporate Edition antivirus. THe definitions have not been updated since 03/03. On said server, we have an (ancient) --->>>>>dial-up modem. 3.American Online =Equals= ALMOST ONLINE...Using AOL, I dialed in and attempted live update. I keep getting bombed out. It then empties my temporary internet files stating "Not enough memory"
4.(CHECK YOUR INTERNET OPTIONS IN .MY COMPUTER...(IN CONTROL PANEL) FOR THE SETTINGS ON TEMP FOLDERS) I just found out that there is only 2mb of memory to work | with.
5. - >DONT USE aol !!! MEMORY IS CHEAP....VVVV V VVV
[...................A. Will increasing my RAM get this problem fixed?]
B. Is there another way around this for the time being (budget constraints right now) geek out -> hire a geek
JUST THINK OF FILES AS FLOCKS OF BIRDS THAT FLY AWAY AND.... re-LAND.... THE birds that dont return, or get lost are the lost or "corrupted" files now.... and the flock has ->changed! )
[Symantec just keeps giving me the generated response "Run LiveUpdate" which I cannot do right now.]
........So you can just delete: All files named "symantec" or programs symantec related and then re-install them all and voila -> running smooth again. "sort of like hiring a new flock of birds."

HELP!! Anyone want a part-time job?

[Jonny Bolt]

I suggest you recommend to them getting rid of AOL. It is terrible software, and wreaks havoc on the Windows registry. TENTACLES EVERYWHERE.

I run a network in a big-time land developers office, and I dont allow anything AOL lol