Slow network folders/files over VPN

[nevesis]

I have a 2003SBS/XP workstation setup with My Documents folder redirection/offline file synchronization.

A VPN user of mine finds opening network folders and files (my documents) very slow when connected over the VPN. However, when he connected to the network locally, he had no problems.

I find this confusing because the VPN terminates on a T1 locally and a ~2500kbit/512kbit DSL on his end. Pings are around 55ms, which is reasonable, and I transferred a 1.5mb file via windows copy/paste between folders in just a couple of seconds.

Other users in this same location don't seem to be experiencing his problem. And I have had him plug in to their cat5s to no avail.

Any ideas?

 

[linney]

15 Tips for Troubleshooting VPN Connections

http://pigtail.net/LRP/pptp-tips.pdf

VPN forum463: Virtual Private Networks (VPN) may help.

814112 - Files on Network Shares Open Slowly or Read-Only or You Receive an Error Message

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;814112&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Anyone have a similar and working setup where you might try copying the settings?

HOW TO: Save and Restore Dial-up Connections in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/284269

 

[nevesis]

Basically, here's my troubleshooting diagram:

1. It can't be their internet/VPN connection because no other user is experiencing problems.

2. It can't be that his office is too far away from the wifi access point, because he experiences the same problems when plugged in.

-- it must be his computer... except

3. When plugged in locally - not on the VPN - his machine acts fine.

So, my theory is that his machine has developed AI and knows when it's on the VPN and refuses to act normally.

Any better theories?

 

[linney]

What's on offer in the Event Viewer as far as clues are concerned?