1. Take the system down to the bare minimums. 1 computer no network.
a. Use the system for long enough to tell if there is a problem.
i. If there is, then I would test the ram/cpu/harddrive/etc on that machine.
ii. If not, proceed to step 2.
2. Add one computer connected to the first via a crossover cable.
a. Use the system for long enough to tell if there is a problem.
i. If there is, then I would test the ram/cpu/harddrive/nic/etc on the added machine and the nic on the original.
ii. If not, proceed to step 3.
3. Remove the crossover cable and plug both machines into the switch.
a. Use the system for long enough to tell if there is a problem.
i. If there is, then I would replace the switch.
ii. If not, proceed to step 4.
4. Add the rest of the machines in one by one until the problem returns. When it does, you have found your problem.
