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Outlook 2003 Very Slow When Browsing to Attach Files

Hi
We have a client with a small office with approximately a dozen Dell Optiplex P4 PCs, connecting to a Dell PowerEdge server running SBS 2003 Premium.

The problem is that for a couple of these PCs, all of similar spec, attempts to attach a file to an email using Outlook 2003 result in that PCs running incredibly slowly or hanging completely.

Facts are as follows:-

1) This appears to only happen when browsing for a file to attach. If the file is in the currently viewed directory (when opening the attach file dialog), then there is no problem, but if the user needs to navigate to a different directory, then everything grinds to a halt.
2) Browsing using Windows Explorer is NOT slow (whether to a local directory or a mapped network drive). It is only from with Outlook 2003 that browsing is slow.
3) PCs are runnning XP Pro SP1
4) Identically-specified PCs, with the same software, patches etc, plugged into the same network switch, work fine.

Any assistance or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards
Horatio_too

Robberbaron (robr)

I have found a couple of times that creating a new outlook profile ( and OST file) fixes things. Only load the minimum of connections at first.

I create a second profile so that I can export / import rules etc if i find the new profile has fixed things. Doing a Repair is supposed to help but not in my experience.

It is a non-destructive method if using exchange as all messages are stored on the server anyway.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Frankco

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horatio_too

ASKER

Dear All,

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Unfortunately, I have been ill for the last couple of weeks and so have not had a chance to try the proposed solutions and will now be away on vacation for a few days. I hope to be able to try the solutions 2nd week of June.

Thanks once again

Hoartio_too