CS2 Doc Converted to CS3 takes 2+ Minutes to Open Every Time

Question

We are in the process of switching 34 users from ID CS2 to ID CS3 and are having file conversion nightmares. They need to re-use their old CS2 ad layouts but many users are complaining that the conversion to CS3 takes several minutes. In our test period we had noted that but once the doc was converted the subsequent file opening time in CS3 was greatly reduced. But it now appears that when some users are opening the converted and saved docs they are still experiencing the same file opening delays as when the docs were being converted from CS2. Then a different user will open the same doc and it will open immediately. We have tried to find a common setup or preference or plug-in issue that might be a problem, but so far have struck out. 6 users have brand new MacPros running Leopard 10.5.2 with all Adobe CS3 patches installed. This group uses identically configured everything and they still have inconsistent file opening behavior! Some open instantly and others take 2-5 minutes for the same file. We have noted similar inconsistency amongst our users who still have GS PowerMacs running Tiger 10.4.11. Their CS3 is patched and fully updated. Now I would expect there to be inconsistencies between the Tiger and Leopard G5 and Intel groups, but we see the same thing with the same file taking different amounts of time to open after having been converted and saved and then opened again with the same-configuration users, no matter what they are using.
We use a Xinet file and print server and all users are supposed to work on files off the server so the working file stays up to date, but for testing we have been having them download the same files to their desktops and opening them. One of my test Macs is an Intel Mac running Tiger 10.4.11 and Adobe CS3 all updated and I use the same 3rd party plug-ins as everyone else. We only use two sets of 3rd party plug-ins - the Xinet WebNative and FullPress plug-ins and Extensis Suitcase X1 client Auto-Activation plug-in getting fonts from a Suitcase server.
We don't have the problem if documents are created from scratch in CS3. Unfortunately, it will take a very long time to get to where we would never be using any of our old CS2-created files, so we need to figure out a workable solution. It is mainly a question of time, which is something you never have enough of before your press deadline and the users are balking at the amount of production time they are losing waiting for files to open. They have a tendency to force-quit InDesign before it can finish opening and then they have to deal with all the file recovery dialogues the next time. They are getting very frustrated.
Has anyone run into this behavior or come up with a solution? If so I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks, Laura K.

Answer 1

Hi Kevin,
I did some more trial and error testing since I posted my original message. This is what seems to be working:
You can leave the Suitcase Auto Activation plug-in there, but if you go into its preferences make sure the box for "Activate fonts in embedded objects" is not checked.
That made all the difference - so far. I need to try this on a couple more of my troubled Macs before I will declare victory!
In the Suitcase Client prefs you should also turn off Suitcase's auto activation and let the application plug-in handle that. I read that somewhere else a couple days ago, maybe it was the Extensis forums? Can't remember. But that's how I have mine set on my test Macs. (one MacPro running Tiger and a MacBook Pro running Leopard)
Hope that helps!
Laura K.