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Renaming Files and Folders on a Windows Server Extremely SLOW after upgrade to Monterey

D

dWolfers

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 1, 2015
8
3
I upgraded to Monterey 12.0.1 as soon as it became available. The biggest issue I'm having is that many Finder actions relating to files stored on our (Windows) servers is excruciatingly slow. In particular, renaming a file or folder takes a ridiculously long time to take effect. Sometimes the finder reports that the action couldn't be completed (even though it often did eventually succeed). Often the finder window looses its mind, and only displays a subset of files/folders. Usually, creating a new folder in the directory restores the 'lost' items to the view. Don't even get me started on the problems with extracting files from .zip archives!

Apple has always had a poor implementation of the Finder interface with Windows servers, and it always seems to degrade drastically with every major OS release. In this regard Monterey is not much worse than Catalina, Big Sur, etc. (basically going back forever).
 
I get exactly the same problem too! I don't know if it's a permissions problem or whether setting up a new user account will solve the problem. I've only just discovered this problems haven't had time to try to work out a fix. Hopefully it will be fixed in the next OS update!
 
(Updated - I am currently discussing this problem with someone at Apple Support who has tried to replicate the problem using the same actions on a Windows server at his end, and he has not managed to get the same problem. Saying that, he could not replicate the same result. He could see via screen sharing on my Mac how this is happening on my current set-up. Our Windows servers have been partitioned and expanded quite extensively over the years, so it's quite a complex set-up! It has been suggested that I re-install Monterey, but I can't see how that will work given the fact that I've also had the same problem with another computer. I will continue to update)​
  • Restarting the Mac makes no difference.
  • Creating a new user account - either Administrator or Standard - makes no difference.
  • Booting up in Safe Mode makes no difference.
  • I tried deleting the finder preferences but it made no difference.
  • I tried using a completely separate 2019 MacBook Pro (with the same version of Monterey) and connecting via VPN but it made no difference.

Now that I have had some time to get to know the error, I can tell you the following:

  1. I am using an iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015), with Monterey installed.
  2. I am working on a Windows network via ethernet, connecting via smb:// IP addresses.
  3. It takes approximately 31 seconds for a folder to rename. It remains as 'untitled folder' before it changes (although you need to step back and forward again to see that it hasn't renamed your folder). While the system is thinking about changing the folder name, you cannot do any Finder-related tasks and you are locked out from doing anything. After 31 seconds, you get a message which says: "An unexpected error occurred (error code -43)" and then it changes the folder name.
  4. You get the same result in Safe Mode but no error message.
  5. I've also noticed I cannot double-click a file to open within that folder. I have to open it via the app.
  6. There have been one or two instances where I cannot save a PDF in the folder I am working in (I am a graphic designer who uses Adobe Creative Cloud).
  7. This is the first time I've ever had any problems with a software update.

I am scratching my head on this one. I can usually get any Mac-related problems sorted very quickly and I am surprised that I haven't come across many other similar issues on the web.

I am hoping it's a problem that might be fixed in the next Monterey update, otherwise I'll be reverting back to Big Sur!

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
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Just to let you know, I've been chatting to technical support at Apple. He has asked me to re-install Monterey, which I will do tonight, but I really don't think it will make a difference as I connected to the same server using my own MacBook Pro with Monterey installed and had the same problem.

I could connect to the server via my iPhone... Files... three dots... and by using my username and password, managed to create and rename a folder no problem at all.

The Apple guy tried creating a folder and renaming it on a test Windows server and it worked.

I really don't think this is a common problem with Monterey.

I can only think it's something to do with how our servers are set up.

I'm asking my IT guys to let me know what version of Windows our server is running on and is there anything different about it?

Could you ask the same?

If we find out that, then maybe the Apple guy can replicate the problem at his end?

I'm determined to get this problem solved, because I think unless I find the problem, then no-one at Apple will create a fix for it!
 
macdeebers said:
Just to let you know, I've been chatting to technical support at Apple. He has asked me to re-install Monterey, which I will do tonight, but I really don't think it will make a difference as I connected to the same server using my own MacBook Pro with Monterey installed and had the same problem.

I could connect to the server via my iPhone... Files... three dots... and by using my username and password, managed to create and rename a folder no problem at all.

The Apple guy tried creating a folder and renaming it on a test Windows server and it worked.

I really don't think this is a common problem with Monterey.

I can only think it's something to do with how our servers are set up.

I'm asking my IT guys to let me know what version of Windows our server is running on and is there anything different about it?

Could you ask the same?

If we find out that, then maybe the Apple guy can replicate the problem at his end?

I'm determined to get this problem solved, because I think unless I find the problem, then no-one at Apple will create a fix for it!
Click to expand...
We're running Windows Server 2012 R2.
 
NoBoMac said:
Something to try.

Adjust SMB browsing behavior in macOS - Apple Support

The default settings for browsing network folders such as Server Message Block (SMB) shares are ideal for most organizations and users. But you can make adjustments to optimize SMB browsing in enterprise environments.
support.apple.com support.apple.com
Click to expand...
I applied the suggested setting, and it does seem to have helped. I was able to create a new folder, rename it, and immediately drag a file into it. Thank you so much for this recommendation!
 
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NoBoMac said:
Something to try.

Adjust SMB browsing behavior in macOS - Apple Support

The default settings for browsing network folders such as Server Message Block (SMB) shares are ideal for most organizations and users. But you can make adjustments to optimize SMB browsing in enterprise environments.
support.apple.com support.apple.com
Click to expand...
Thank you NoBoMac - that seems to have fixed it for me too! You're a genius 👏👏👏
 
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