Troubleshooting DVMAX Research Server Performance

Owned by John Bellos (Unlicensed)
Apr 05, 2016
3 min read

Several factors can affect the performance of DVMAX - some controlled by DVMAX, while many other variables exist that extend beyond that. The purpose of this document is to have all of the commonly requested information required to troubleshoot any complex performance-related case with DVMAX.

Explanation of Performance Problems

Please include a detailed summary of the problem you're experiencing. Information such as specific actions you took, how long it took to execute, and the _full_ errors received if any are very helpful. Comments such as 'it's slow' or 'freezes' or 'crashes' with no additional information is not enough to assist in diagnosing the issue. Pictures or Screenshots are also welcomed and encouraged.

 

Hardware

Server

Is this a Virtual Server?
If so, is the host serving any other virtual servers?          
If so, what are the other server's tasks or applications that run there?

Operating System & Version (ie. Mac 10.9.3 or Windows 8.1): 
Processor Type and Speed (# of cores if possible):
RAM:

Hard Drive subsystem

Controller:
RAID Type:
# of Disk Drives:
Model of Disk Drives:

Active network type and model (Wired/Wireless and Model):

Workstations -
*only applicable if you are reporting an issue with the DVMAX Setup Client application


For the information below, please answer the questions based on all the computer types that have been affected by the problem you're reporting.

# of possible concurrent workstation connections (licensed for):
Operating Systems and Versions:

Processor Type and Speed:
RAM:
Video Card/Driver:
Active network type and model (Wired/Wireless and Model):

Software

On the DVMAX Server are there any other applications that run other than DVMAX?
Backup Type & Version (BackupExec, MozyPro, TimeMachine, etc):
Antivirus Type & Version on Server (Symantec, Trend, etc.):
Antivirus Type & Version on Workstations (Symantec, Trend, etc.):

What is the Max Cache value set to for DVMAX? (DVMAX Server application/Edit pull-down/Database Settings/Database Icon/Memory Tab)
What time does the DVMAX Backup run?

Scheduled Tasks (please list all tasks and what time they run):


Are there any applications that extract Data from DVMAX?
If so, list their names, and any times you know of that they run:

DVMAX Modules Used

Are you using the AFMS/ Record Import feature?
If so, what is the schedule/frequency/quantity of records being added to DVMAX?



Record Counts & Logs

Please include a record count of all tables in your database. To do this:
Log into DVMAX Setup Client
Admin pull-down -> Setup
Click on the Utilities tab
Click Display to Display Advanced Settings
Click I Understand
Click the Functions Tab
Click Execute_Method and enter the method name rpt_record_count_export
Click OK to confirm and Save as Record Count Report

Web Log

On the Server go to Edit -> Database Settings -> Web -> Log (Type) -> Enable Web Log in CLF Format.
Note: You must restart DVMAX for this to take effect.

Information Component

The following article explains how to enable and start the information component logging:
http://dvmax.com/kb/questions/172/Monitoring+4D+Server+%7B47%7D+Information+Recorder
Note: This logging is only good for the duration of DVMAX Server's uptime. IF you quit/relaunch DVMAX, this logging will stop.

Data size

On the DVMAX Server, navigate to your Data folder. Typical locations are:

Windows: C:\DVMAXDatabaseFiles/DVMaxDataFolder\
Macintosh: Documents::DVMAXDatabaseFiles::DVMaxDataFolder

Note the size of your .4DD file and record it here:  



Network


Please list all hops; Routers/Switches that  are passed between a Client / Server connection. For example:

                                                                   Cable Modem & Firewall Model XXXX
                                                                                          |
   |
Client computer -> Linksys 4 port Switch Model XXX -> Linksys 20 port switch Model XXXX -> DVMAX Server