printing is delayed!! help!!!

[Sirex]

whats up again?? Here's my scenario. My friend has a small network consisting of a Windows NT 4.0 server and 3 clients running Windows 98 using a Netgear router. One computer (which connects to the internet thru a modem) caught a virus. Virus caused the pc to crash. So, as a result, the pc in the back office was moved to the front office. After doing this, they only have 2 clients on the network. Now everytime they wanna print something to the printer (which is connected to the 3rd PC) it takes forever to print. It is really delayed!! They use Peachtree to place their orders and keep track of their information. So, after a sale is placed and they try to print, it takes close to a min or two to get to the printer. Does anyone know or have any kind of clue what the reason is?

[Sirex]

anybody?? anybody?? lol

[Matty_Cross]

Try giving each computer a name..
Like PC A, PC B, PC C...
Then maybe people will be able to help you...

I can't speak for anyone else, but I got confused about which computer was which from your post, as you switched from telling us physical locations, to computer numbers...

Something that everyone must learn, is that the more clear information that you provide to anyone giving you support of any kind, the better and quicker the responses will be...

[cold_connection]

Can't say I know much about that but, can't you simply install a printer on the network then add it using the printer panel and, set it up as default?
That's how it works in my school. It's pretty basic but it works.
All you need is a printer plugged in a computer and this computer to be on the network and share the printer (in Networks->Properties->File and Printer Sharing)

HTH

[spike_cat]

they must be using printer sharin in the 1st place!

Sirex, please post more nfo on the pc's & printer pls.

[Sirex]

here we go again!!

ok i have 1 NT server and 3 clients. (PC A , PC B AND PC C)

here's the configuration

all three clients connect to the server through a linksys 4 port cable/dsl router (100MB)

PC A has two printers installed on it which are shared. all three clients print to these printers and all three clients POST all new information (from Peachtree software) to a shared drive on the server. When a transaction is made, from any client pc, it takes 45seconds (i timed it) for the new order to post to the server and print the order. I increased the files in the CONFIG.sys file on all 3 clients and the server but I still have the same problem. I called Peachtree techical support to see if they can help me but they were no help. I am 100% certain that it has to do with the software because the other software works fine. (ex: i printed a word document from PC C to PC A's shared printers and it printed up right away). I have no clue as to what else I can do. The only thing I can think of is switching the network to a gigabyte network but I'd rather not because of $$ reasons. If anyone can help, its greatly appreciated. Thank you and I hope I clarrified everything.

-Sirex-

[krang]

PC A is 98? 98 is not server material.
The printers should be shared off the NT server,or if location is the reason for them being shared off PC A, then buy some Jetdirect/Lexmark/Intel external print servers and set them up on the network.
You can still share off NT to reduce print time for the client, or print direct from the PC's. You can then leave the printers where they are.
Thats a fairly cheap solution.

Krang

[bimmer]

i think it's a software problem .. but anyway try the following

go to the printer properties and remove the sign from the spooling option and check a sign on the print directly to printer option.

and by the way it's better to have the printer network ready .. and just plug it to the switch.

[Ghost_25inf]

how much ram is used for printing resons? this could be your hold up.
my second guess would be the connection from the printer to the computer if it is a crappy cord then the delay will be expected. But most likely it sounds like there isnt enough ram dedicated to the printer. anyone else agree with me?

[bimmer]

Originally posted here by Ghost_25inf
how much ram is used for printing resons? this could be your hold up.
my second guess would be the connection from the printer to the computer if it is a crappy cord then the delay will be expected. But most likely it sounds like there isnt enough ram dedicated to the printer. anyone else agree with me?

i don't think the connection has to do any with it since the printing is going just fine with other software.
the peachtree is a heavy software .. so u may check the memory as ghost told u or u could try to disable the spooling option. coz' usually the spoolng speed down the printing .