The test is run from First Resort (H,N,L) and can be run one workstation at a time or several workstations all at once to simulate normal activity on the server.

Load Test writes binary data to a file on the server (Loadtest.fil in the \accounts directory) and then reads it back. If at any point in the process Load Test is not able to read back the same data value it wrote, it increments an error counter on the screen. Essentially any PC running Load Test that shows an error counter above zero is signaling a problem in the communication path between that PC and the Server.

Running test:

1. Go to H,N,L.
2. The very first workstation that load test is run on needs to be initialized. Select "I" to initialize test. This will not take very long. A message stating that initialization is successful will show on the screen.
3. Select "B" to begin test. System will show you what locking type is set in the system and it will begin the test. The screen will appear to scroll through a lot of numbers.
4. Let the system run the test for 10-15 minutes per workstation. Check occasionally for any PCs with non-zero error counters.
5. To stop the test, simply press the Escape key and answer Yes to the pop-up query.
6. To remove leftover Load Test files go to H,N,L and type 'R' to remove all test files.

There are also several things that can be done to try to isolate what the problems are:

1. Are there certain workstations that are consistently locking up and having to be rebooted ? If so, shut down that workstation for a day or so and see if the other workstations work properly. If this is the case, then that workstation should be tested and checked by an IT person before being put back in use.
2. Have someone do a full manual check of all cables, hubs etc. to see if there are damaged cables or connectors of any sort. Also check to be sure that there isn't anything sitting on top of or pinching cables. Yes! It may be as simple as that.
3. Is an anti-virus program running? If so, disable it entirely for a day on all workstations and see if the system runs without error messages during that time. Be sure to be careful to limit internet activity and especially not open any emails with attachments for the period that the anti-virus program is disabled. If the system runs trouble-free with the anti-virus program disabled, then the anti-virus program settings need to be changed (i.e. in Norton AntiVirus disable auto-protect on *.fil and *.idx) or a different anti-virus program should be installed.