Article ID: 8314

Optimizing Your Network for PCLaw® - Server Considerations

The PCLaw software supports most Microsoft Windows Servers in a networking environment. Refer to PCLaw System Requirements for more information about the minimum and recommended system requirements you need to run the PCLaw software.

Consider the following items to ensure a stable server environment for the PCLaw software:

LexisNexis does not accept responsibility for the consequences of the suggested modifications.

Consult a qualified technician to complete the suggested changes. Please contact PCLaw Customer Support if you or your technician has questions or concerns about the information on this page.

Server Requirements

Visit our PCLaw System Requirements page to see the supported server operating systems.

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Protocols

Because the NetBeui protocol can cause data corruption, we suggest that you remove all occurrences of NetBeui from the server and workstations that use the PCLaw software.

Take the following steps to determine if your server runs NetBeui on a Windows Server:

  1. Click Start, right-click Network, and select Properties.
  2. Right-click Local Area Connection and select Properties.

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Opportunistic Locking

Windows Servers enable Opportunistic Locking by default. Opportunistic Locking can cause record locking issues in the PCLaw database. You need to disable Opportunistic Locking if you use PCLaw Version 7.63 or lower. Versions 8.20 and higher can operate when you enable Opportunistic Locking. If you are running version 8.20 and higher and you receive locking issues or files that need to be rebuilt often, try turning off Opportunistic Locking.

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Microsoft Peer-to-Peer Servers

You can operate the PCLaw software in a Microsoft Peer-to-Peer network. The server is the computer that stores the data locally (on the C:\ Drive). The PCLaw software supports the following operating systems for the server on a Peer-to-Peer network:

  • Windows XP Home Edition 32-bit
  • Windows XP Professional 32-bit

NOTE:

You need to remove NetBEUI protocol in a Peer-to-Peer environment to prevent data corruption.

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Citrix/Terminal Services

The PCLaw software does not support networks in a Citrix® or Terminal Services environment, but many law firms do successfully use the software with these services.

You need to adjust your Registry Security to allow the PCLaw software to operate in a Citrix or Terminal Services environment. It is important that a qualified technician properly configure your Registry Security because an incorrect registry setting can render your system inoperable. The PCLaw software requires you to configure the HKCU/Software/LexisNexis registry key so that all users have Full Control to that Folder and the sub-folders that it contains.

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UNIX and Linux - Storage Appliances

PCLaw does not work properly in UNIX and Linux environments. This includes UNIX and Linux servers, stations, and all appliance storage devices including external hard drives that plug directly into the network.

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Refer to Optimizing Your Network for the PCLaw Software - Overview for more information about optimizing your network for PCLaw.