Poor Server Performance Caused by High CPU Utilization on a Terminal Server with a Large Number of NetWare Printer Queues (242302)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Terminal Server Edition SP5
This article was previously published under Q242302

SUMMARY

Poor server performance may occur on computers running Windows NT 4.0, Terminal Server Edition that have a large number of concurrent users running Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Internet Explorer as well as a large number of NetWare printer queues. Symptoms of poor server performance can also be observed by running Performance Monitor.

MORE INFORMATION

The CPU utilization and thread counts for the Services.exe and Spoolss.exe processes appear higher than normal and their values fluctuate when you view them in Performance Monitor. These fluctuating values would suggest that a large number of threads are being dynamically created and eliminated.

This type of performance issue has not been observed when the Terminal Server computer is configured with only Windows NT-based printer queues.

Creating local printer queues that send print jobs to the NetWare printer queues through a UNC path can significantly reduce processor usage. To create a local printer that sends print jobs to a NetWare printer queue:
  1. Click on the Start, point to Settings, click Printer, and then double-click Add Printer.
  2. In the Add Printer Wizard, click My Computer, and then click Next.
  3. Click Add Port.
  4. In the Printer Ports dialog box, click Local Port, and then click New Port.
  5. In the Port Name dialog box, type a UNC path representing the NetWare printer queue. For example, \\Nw312\Myqueue.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/14/2002
Keywords:kbinfo KB242302
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.