The Master Client Database is much larger than expected on a Netware Server.

Generally the Master Client Database is about 20 megabytes in size. This naturally will vary with the number of Client contacts, updates, notes and the rest, but would give good rule of thumb for a firm of around 100 MonTel users and 2500 clients. Databases have been seen ranging from a few megabytes to as much as 40 Megabytes.

Sizes beyond 100 Mb on a Netware server may indicate that this is a "sparse" file, and would almost certainly indicate some form of corruption or problem has taken occured.

For more information about "sparse" files see the Novell Netware web site: http://www.novell.com/documentation/lg/nw312/docui/index.html#../cncptenu/data/a4pqzop.html and http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/searchtid.cgi?/10064500.htm.

To fix:

Firstly, all users should be out of all MonTel applications, and all file locks clear on the CLIENT32.MDB file. See How to make MonTel or Notify automatically restart after an Admin shut down for more information.
Secondly, copy the file to a temporary location or any of the relevant Netware fixes in the links above. (This may work, but the third step is recommended in any event).
Thirdly, use the JETCOMP utility to repair and compress the database. See How to repair a corrupted Master Client Database for more information.

Finally it is worth considering implementing TTS (Transaction Tracking System) on relevant Netware Servers. An explanation of TTS and how to implement it can be found here on the Netware Web Site: http://www.novell.com/documentation/lg/nw5/docui/index.html#../usserver/ssec_enu/data/h2ij3o71.html.

You will need to set the Transaction bit on the CLIENT32.MDB file. Please note that this has not been tested. Please be carefully about using TTS. See also this topic on the Microsoft web site: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q102522.