Troubleshooting Slowness 

See Troubleshooting for issues not related to slowness.

If Open Dental is not as fast and responsive as you would like it to be, here are some steps that can be taken

Update Version
Update to the most recent build (the third number).  The major/minor version should not be too many versions behind either.

Settings and Tools
Run the Database Maintenance tool.
If switching days in Appt module is slow, run the Clear Duplicate Blockouts tool from Main Menu, Tools, Misc Tools.
Uncheck the box in Module Setup for "Show ! at upper right of appts for ins not sent".
Check the box in Module Setup for "Appointment bubble popup disabled".

Data Path
The connection to the AtoZ (OpenDentImages) folder might be slower than the connection to the database.  This is especially true if using a VPN. This slowness will be noticeable when working with images in the Images module.  If you use patient pictures, then the slowness will be most noticeable in the Family module and the Appt module when hover bubbles come up.  Open the Data Path window.  If the path at the top is a location that is over a VPN rather than in the LAN, enter an override for the current workstation. The override should point to an AtoZ folder in the LAN that stays synchronized with the other AtoZ folder.  Go around to each workstation and enter the override.

Slow Printing
The most likely cause is a bug in Open Dental. Many of the slow spots were fixed in June 2011, and some more in July. So to fix, just upgrade to a more current version.  If you have already upgraded and it's still slow, call to show us.  We will need to know exactly what you are trying to print.

Slow printing sometimes happens with network printers.  One way to simplify your printing issues is to connect your printer directly to a computer with a USB cable.

Vista and Windows 7 Issues
See Vista

Interference from Other Programs
The following specific programs have been verified to cause slowness in Open Dental
McAffee (turning off is not sufficient; must be uninstalled) 
ZoneAlarm (turning off is not sufficient; must be uninstalled)
Dell ControlPoint (also consumes CPU)
The slowness issue associated with the above programs may have been solved by newer versions of those programs.  But based on this known interference, a firewall should always be suspected.  The firewall could be software or hardware.

Database optimization

There is a button at the bottom of the Database Maintenance window called Optimize. The process can take a few minutes.  If you notice a significant speed improvement and you have a very large database, you might consider running this tool once per month.

If you are using an older version of Open Dental, you can use the mysql-administrator-1.1.9-win.msi tool to run optimization.

Edit the my.ini File
See myini.

Log Slow Queries

Add the following 2 lines to your my.ini file and then restart the MySQL service.

slow_query_log=1
long_query_time=2

(note: on older versions of MySQL, the syntax was:)
log_slow_queries
long_query_time = 2
log_long_format

The log file will be found in the mysql data folder. Examine the log for a recurring pattern of slow queries. Remove those lines when done to avoid impacting performance.

Other

If certain days in the Appointments module are slow, try running the Clear Duplicate Blockouts tool.  It is available from the main menu, Tools, Misc Tools.