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Network Problem?

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    #1

    Network Problem?

    Not sure which forum to post this to.......but here it goes. :)

    I have 9 networked computers (cashiers) running Alpha5v5 in a retail setting. Every day we have at least one complete freeze which freezes all of our cashiers when an Alpha error message appears on one of the computers. It typically happens right after a cashier has scanned an item to be paid. Once all of the computers are brought back up and the cashier scans the exact same item, it will take the item just fine. I'm beginning to think it may have to do with too much traffic on my network with all of the cashiers checking people out at the same time....but don't know if it is an Alpha software problem....or a network problem. I am using a simple peer to peer network using either Windows XP home or pro on all of the computers instead of using a server with a Server operating system with Client Access Licenses on all the cashiers.

    Does anyone know how I can tell if it a hardware or software problem? I would hate to upgrade all of my equipment and operating systems to switch to a true network only to find out it was a simple Alpha programming problem that could have been fixed.

    I would appreciate any advice that is offered. I'm clueless and really don't even know how to fix it or what kind of person to hire to try and figure it out for me. :)
    Tags: None
    #2
    Re: Network Problem?

    That all machines are affected leaves open the possibility that your hub is going bad. They are relatively cheap and swapping in a new one would be a quick way to see if that's where the problem lies.

    (1) Is the "server" (where the main application files are stored) also being used as a station for scanning etc?

    (2) Are you shadowing the "workstations"?

    We always felt that if there were more than 5 (a somewhat arbitrary number but based on our experience) stations then you needed a dedicated server. Shadowing will cut network traffic dramatically.

    You don't say if it's the same machine that gets the error or if it appears randomly among the 9.

    What is the Alpha error that appears? If it has anything to do with indexes or temporary files you could have a manifestation of the $$*.mpx files problem. However, this problem is usually restricted to a single machine and wouldn't affect others.

    MOre information would be helpful.
    Finian

    Comment

      #3
      Re: Network Problem?

      We problbly need just a little more information to begin thinking about this.

      Is it one specific machine, or randomly any one of the 9 machines. Is it the machine that holds the databases?

      If you can run the machines independently, would it happen?

      Do you need to keep all 9 systems tied together, or can they be broken down into smaller groups?

      I realize that you are trying to keep a business running, but some troubleshooting may be necessary to get to the root of this issue.

      Tom

      Comment

        #4
        Re: Network Problem?

        Thanks for you responses:

        It happens on different machines at different times. It never happens on the machine that holds the database. I use it as a server...although technically it is just another desktop unit. I do not use the "server" that holds the database for scanning merchandise.

        I have never seen it happen when I run the program only on the server....I have never run the other machines independently as there are no databases on them and the computers have to be linked to the server to run the program.

        I do have to run the 8 cashiers together with the 9th computer holding the database.

        I don't know much about shadowing....I'm not sure. I have one alpha5v5 program and a 10 user run time on the others.....is that what you mean by shadowing? Sorry for my ignorance on this....:)

        When you say you typically need a dedicated server with over 5 networked computers.....do you mean we need an real server with the server operating system....or would my desktop be OK to run as a server in a peer to peer network as long as I am not using it also as a cashier doing the scanning etc.

        Unfortunately, I don't recall the exact error message...unhandled exception seems to be coming to mind....but being over 40...I can't remember what I had for breakfast. :)

        I do get tons of mpx files that build on my server database....but have never seem them on the runtime computers.

        Hope some makes sense..... Thanks again for helping to troubleshoot.

        Comment

          #5
          Re: Network Problem?

          "Shadowing" ... is a shorthand reference to "network optimization". Once optimized the local workstations run shadow copies of the database which exist on each local machine. Read the help file topics discussing networks, network optimization, and optimization for details.

          "dedicated server"... I think Finian was suggesting a single machine that's not used for any other applications during the day. It need not be a machine with server software loaded, but it's a machine that isn't used for any other purpose.

          "tons of mpx files" ... these should be deleted when no one on the network is using the application. Not sure the best sequence or process to use. Perhaps others will offer suggestions.

          Comment

            #6
            Re: Network Problem?

            Tom has it right - with 9 concurrent users, I would not use the "server" for any other purpose - other than required maintenance when others are not using the system. Beyond that it is just another regular machine plugged into the hub.

            The error message content is important. Next time that it appears, take a screen shot and save it. Generally the "unhandled exception" error occurs after a shutdown but has been seen while running an application. I seem to recall that mis-defined calculated fields have been implicated in its appearance elsewhere.

            If you are not using network optimization (shadowing) you probably should be. Whatever additional administration is required (and that can be reduced to a minimum is more than made up for by improved network performance.

            Removal of the accumulating .mpx files can be easily automated.
            Finian

            Comment

              #7
              Re: Network Problem?

              Finian

              Sounds good. OK....migh be silly question but.... I had someone write our original program a few years ago and he no longer is available. How do I tell if he set up the shadowing on our system?

              Kim

              Comment

                #8
                Re: Network Problem?

                On any workstation you could look at the shortcut details (right click, properties) you use to start the application.

                If the application is being opened is on the server, then the application is not shadowed.

                If the application is located on the workstation in a location like
                C:\Program Files\A5V5Runtime\Shadow\ApplicationName\ApplicationName.adb
                then it is.

                Finian
                Finian

                Comment

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