Ubuntu Networking :: Restore All Files To New Server?

I'm trying to restore all my files to my new ubuntu server (a netbook actually) and can't! after copying for a few moments the samba shares stop working. in synaptic it says samba 2:3.4.7 as im typing this i realized I was able to copy a few large files when i was starting out so there may be some software added since thats the issue. In my scenario i found that the server does recover after a minute or two. but when copying large files it causes ALL networking to stop. funny that if i go to the server screen it is fine. Ive experienced this connecting with a windows 7 pc and a mac. the server will start responding again in a couple of minutes. when it locks up it locks up ALL networking: cant connect to the webserver, or ssh either when this happens. Just starts working again after 2 minutes. I am unable to sync this with my backup drive unfortunately.

I did some experimenting today and found that I was able to stay connected via ssh for well over an hour with no problems. as soon as I start copying files is when it happens. I use this as a server in a home office so I need to resolve this. for now going to share a drive off my router i guess. have been poring through the logs and reading everything i can on this the last few days.. I switched from network manager to WICD after reading about it online somewhere. that actually did help to apparently reduce the frequency of the issue.

does anyone have any tips? this is a new machine/install of Ubuntu 10.4 LTS desktop version (its just easier than the server version for me even though using as a server). its a new MSI X Slim X320. I bought it as it has the X530 Atom processor which is super efficient and I run this as a solar powered web/file/torrent/app server. In that regard im very pleased with it.