Network Communications issues

During the last few days, I have experienced daily network communications failures on our only Windows 2000 Server (firewall/proxy/content filtering/file-print sharing).  This resulted in access to the internet and all other network communications being halted across campus. I was able to determine that is was not a proxy issue because bypassing the proxy did not get me out to the Internet.   Not knowing exactly what was cause, I found that I could bring the services back online if I restarted our server.  What a pain!  I have had to do this 4 out of the last 5 days first thing in the morning.

The last failure was at about 4PM Monday.  The event log showed the following two errors:

1. DHCP service - The JET database returned the following Error: -1808
2. DHCP service - Error when backing up the database

First, the 1808 error.  I googled for Error 1808 and discovered that this is a DHCP error indicating that there is a lack of space on the volume.  I checked my system and discovered that the 3.5 GB system partition had only about 50 MB.  So I removed some unnecessary programs and opened this up to nearly 100 MB.  Since my dhcp.mdb database is 1.0 MB, I thought this ought to be plenty.

A Google on the second error led me to this article and the possible need to fix my dhcp.mdb file using jetpack.exe.  I have not done this yet as I am seeking some advice as to whether I should proceed since this is an OFFLINE operation.

Good news!  Since I cleared up some space on Tuesday, the network communications have not failed ("knock on wood").   I will be examining the logs further when I get a chance.  First, I have grading to do. 

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