I installed MSDE 2000 on Win2003 server and created linked server to VFP DBFs. It works fine via VPN connection, but for some unknown reasons for me, it hangs occasionally. Ok, it is some "normal" circumstances when internet drops down and user lose the connection, but it is not critical as it doesn't happen often to be worried about.

However, it's not a big problem as user restarts its workstation or even just reconnect to vpn, restart the application and continue with work. But, it's not possible. MSDE allows connection, linked server exists (i see it wit sp_lnikedserver), even created views exist, but SQL statements to DBF ( with openquery... ) or view doesn't works. Actually - it exectutes, but never finish and neverending story terminates only by force. With "sp_who" I can see that some processes are executing and I can kill them, but linked server still doesn't response. I tried with stopping the MSSQL service and restart it - still the same. Only when I restart the Win2003 server - it starts to work.

Since it's unsuitable to restart the whole server, I wonder how to slove this problem with some simple way. Is it possible to restart the MSDE instance on another way (since NET STOP... NET START is effectless) or is ther some workaround with linked server?


Thank's, Zlatko.