How to Change the Server Service Properties

The default caching configuration in Windows 2000 Server Setup is for maximum file server performance. Using default configuration settings, the Server service allocates a considerable amount of memory for internal buffers and tables, creating a large system cache. The "Maximize Throughput for File Sharing" setting is appropriate for computers that typically run the Server service for file sharing.

Because the "Maximize Throughput for File Sharing" setting allocates memory to maintain a large file cache and is unavailable to programs, excessive paging can occur on computers that run server-based programs. This might be especially noticeable when you are performing large file copy operations.

If the computer running Windows 2000 Server is mainly used for network programs and services, change use the "Maximize Throughput for Network Applications" setting to free this memory so that it is available for other components.

NOTE: Some programs (such as Microsoft SQL Server) set this option by default because they do their own caching.

To adjust Server service properties:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Network and Dial-Up Connections.
3. Right-click Local Area Connection, and then click Properties.
4. Click File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks, and then click Properties.
5. To tune the Server service to reduce paging activity, click Maximize Throughput for Network Applications.
6. Click OK.

If you are still experiencing excessive paging, try selecting the "Minimize Memory Used" setting to help reduce paging activity. However, if you configure the Server service for too little memory, you might experience intermittent connection problems, such as receiving the error message "Not enough server memory to process this request." Or, you may experience problems connecting, such as receiving the error message "Server refused the connection".

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

Caution Against Resetting the Secondary Cache

The Windows 2000 registry contains configuration data that is important for memory usage. Some third-party sources have erroneously reported that system performance can be enhanced by modifying the following registry key: Although it is possible to change this value from the default value of 0, in most cases doing so does not improve performance. Microsoft does not recommend changing this setting. When this key's value is set to 0, the system attempts to retrieve the level-2 processor (L2) cache size from the HAL for the platform. If it does not obtain this value, the system sets a default size of 256 KB for the L2 cache.

For additional information about file caching, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: Or, see the "Windows 2000 Resource Kit," Chapter 28, "Evaluating Memory and Cache Usage."