I have a client running SBS 2003 virtually. They have a McAfee grant with all the fixins, EPO, AV, Groupshield, etc. Once I had the full suite installed, the client began to experience a disconnect problem once a day. The time of this disconnect would vary from day to day but it would only happen once.

I had no errors on the server, the client would get an Event ID: 26 regarding Outlook and their Access DB or Quickbooks would lock up. I didn't suspect McAfee at first as their phone system also was having issues, once a day it would drop all its calls and it started at approx the same time this problem cropped up on their server. We replaced the UPS, the network switch, etc. However, as part of the troubleshooting process I did expand my exclusion list to add all Databases, Exchange files, and all VMware related folders and files on both the Virtual Machine and the Host.

I contacted McAfee. Since they have some sort of relationship with Vmware for some of the products, I assumed they would have suggestions or had run into this issue before. The support person was unable to offer any help, even after approaching their Level 2 support personnel.

Ultimately I uninstalled all McAfee products on both the host and the VM and the problem went away immediately and has not returned.

Has anyone else had a similar issue? Is there a better product I could provide my client that will avoid these issues? I appreciate everyones time and recommendations.