My Docs folder and Synchronization

Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
================
I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head that
Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I will need to explain
WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How does the client My Docs folder sync
with their \\<servername>\Users\<username> folder if synchronization is
turned off?

TIA,
Mike Webb

Jetze
Wed Mar 26 05:40:48 PDT 2008


"Mike in Nebraska" <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote in message
news:e0TyR0zjIHA.2276@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
> ================
> I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head that
> Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I will need to
> explain WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How does the client My Docs
> folder sync with their \\<servername>\Users\<username> folder if
> synchronization is turned off?

It's called Offline files, if you disable it the users can only access their
files in \\<servername>\Users\<username> when connected with the server.
--
Met vriendelijke groet,

Jetze Mellema (MS MVP)
Lees mijn blog: http://jetzemellema.blogspot.com/
Mijn hobby: http://www.mellema.net/homecomputers
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/?id=555375

Mike
Wed Mar 26 05:46:07 PDT 2008

Sounds like a good reason to leave it enabled, then ... right?

"Jetze Mellema (MS MVP)" <stoppen@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:71557126-06F0-4F5F-BA22-C7A456F64B40@microsoft.com...
>
> "Mike in Nebraska" <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote in message
> news:e0TyR0zjIHA.2276@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
>> ================
>> I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head that
>> Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I will need to
>> explain WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How does the client My Docs
>> folder sync with their \\<servername>\Users\<username> folder if
>> synchronization is turned off?
>
> It's called Offline files, if you disable it the users can only access
> their files in \\<servername>\Users\<username> when connected with the
> server.
> --
> Met vriendelijke groet,
>
> Jetze Mellema (MS MVP)
> Lees mijn blog: http://jetzemellema.blogspot.com/
> Mijn hobby: http://www.mellema.net/homecomputers
> How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/?id=555375

Jetze
Wed Mar 26 06:01:30 PDT 2008

"Mike in Nebraska" <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote in message
news:%23LC1c9zjIHA.1132@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Sounds like a good reason to leave it enabled, then ... right?

It depens on your users. If they're always connected and don't travel you
can disable it. After all, Offline files can be a real PITA.
--
Met vriendelijke groet,

Jetze Mellema (MS MVP)
Lees mijn blog: http://jetzemellema.blogspot.com/
Mijn hobby: http://www.mellema.net/homecomputers
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/?id=555375

Lanwench
Wed Mar 26 06:13:39 PDT 2008

Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
> Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
> ================
> I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head that
> Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I will need to
> explain WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How does the client My
> Docs folder sync with their \\<servername>\Users\<username> folder if
> synchronization is turned off?
>
> TIA,
> Mike Webb

Create a GPO, link it at SBSUsers or MyBusiness, and in the user section,
find the offline files bits & disable the obvious stuff.

Mike
Wed Mar 26 07:30:52 PDT 2008

Thanks.

"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
<lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:ufcgxs0jIHA.2276@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>> Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
>> ================
>> I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head that
>> Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I will need to
>> explain WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How does the client My
>> Docs folder sync with their \\<servername>\Users\<username> folder if
>> synchronization is turned off?
>>
>> TIA,
>> Mike Webb
>
> Create a GPO, link it at SBSUsers or MyBusiness, and in the user section,
> find the offline files bits & disable the obvious stuff.
>

Jason
Wed Mar 26 07:52:11 PDT 2008

I disabled synchronisation when users started 'losing' files!

"Mike in Nebraska" wrote:

> Thanks.
>
> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:ufcgxs0jIHA.2276@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> > Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
> >> Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
> >> ================
> >> I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head that
> >> Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I will need to
> >> explain WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How does the client My
> >> Docs folder sync with their \\<servername>\Users\<username> folder if
> >> synchronization is turned off?
> >>
> >> TIA,
> >> Mike Webb
> >
> > Create a GPO, link it at SBSUsers or MyBusiness, and in the user section,
> > find the offline files bits & disable the obvious stuff.
> >
>
>
>

Lanwench
Wed Mar 26 07:56:03 PDT 2008

Jason <Jason@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
> I disabled synchronisation when users started 'losing' files!

Amen, brother.

>
> "Mike in Nebraska" wrote:
>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in
>> message news:ufcgxs0jIHA.2276@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>> Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
>>>> ================
>>>> I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head that
>>>> Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I will need
>>>> to explain WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How does the client
>>>> My Docs folder sync with their \\<servername>\Users\<username>
>>>> folder if synchronization is turned off?
>>>>
>>>> TIA,
>>>> Mike Webb
>>>
>>> Create a GPO, link it at SBSUsers or MyBusiness, and in the user
>>> section, find the offline files bits & disable the obvious stuff.

Mike
Wed Mar 26 08:17:23 PDT 2008

Then how does the local and server copies stay sync'd?

"Jason" <Jason@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4FEAD8BB-E7BE-49A3-B791-BEEF3766C8D5@microsoft.com...
>I disabled synchronisation when users started 'losing' files!
>
> "Mike in Nebraska" wrote:
>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in
>> message
>> news:ufcgxs0jIHA.2276@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> > Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>> >> Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
>> >> ================
>> >> I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head that
>> >> Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I will need to
>> >> explain WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How does the client My
>> >> Docs folder sync with their \\<servername>\Users\<username> folder if
>> >> synchronization is turned off?
>> >>
>> >> TIA,
>> >> Mike Webb
>> >
>> > Create a GPO, link it at SBSUsers or MyBusiness, and in the user
>> > section,
>> > find the offline files bits & disable the obvious stuff.
>> >
>>
>>
>>

Lanwench
Wed Mar 26 08:31:03 PDT 2008

Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
> Then how does the local and server copies stay sync'd?

They don't. That's the point. There is no local copy - your users are
directly accessing folders on the server.


>
> "Jason" <Jason@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:4FEAD8BB-E7BE-49A3-B791-BEEF3766C8D5@microsoft.com...
>> I disabled synchronisation when users started 'losing' files!
>>
>> "Mike in Nebraska" wrote:
>>
>>> Thanks.
>>>
>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in
>>> message
>>> news:ufcgxs0jIHA.2276@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>> Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
>>>>> ================
>>>>> I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head that
>>>>> Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I will need
>>>>> to explain WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How does the
>>>>> client My Docs folder sync with their
>>>>> \\<servername>\Users\<username> folder if synchronization is
>>>>> turned off? TIA,
>>>>> Mike Webb
>>>>
>>>> Create a GPO, link it at SBSUsers or MyBusiness, and in the user
>>>> section,
>>>> find the offline files bits & disable the obvious stuff.

Mike
Wed Mar 26 08:38:36 PDT 2008

OK, but my boss who travels extensively with his laptop needs it. Might be
better to get him a portable HD to back up to.
"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
<lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:usHp%23Z1jIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>> Then how does the local and server copies stay sync'd?
>
> They don't. That's the point. There is no local copy - your users are
> directly accessing folders on the server.
>
>
>>
>> "Jason" <Jason@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:4FEAD8BB-E7BE-49A3-B791-BEEF3766C8D5@microsoft.com...
>>> I disabled synchronisation when users started 'losing' files!
>>>
>>> "Mike in Nebraska" wrote:
>>>
>>>> Thanks.
>>>>
>>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in
>>>> message
>>>> news:ufcgxs0jIHA.2276@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>>> Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
>>>>>> ================
>>>>>> I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head that
>>>>>> Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I will need
>>>>>> to explain WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How does the
>>>>>> client My Docs folder sync with their
>>>>>> \\<servername>\Users\<username> folder if synchronization is
>>>>>> turned off? TIA,
>>>>>> Mike Webb
>>>>>
>>>>> Create a GPO, link it at SBSUsers or MyBusiness, and in the user
>>>>> section,
>>>>> find the offline files bits & disable the obvious stuff.
>
>
>

Lanwench
Wed Mar 26 08:50:32 PDT 2008

Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
> OK, but my boss who travels extensively with his laptop needs it. Might be
> better to get him a portable HD to back up to.

Nope....I'd put his laptop in its own OU (put it under MyBusiness\Computers
and call it SBSLaptops). Create a custom GPO linked at that OU, using
loopback processing so that he always gets the settings.

I'd redirect My Documents only in the GPO for that OU - and redirect it to
c:\data\%username% (make sure that folder exists!). Then use something like
SecondCopy (www.centered.com) to sync it to the server when he connects.


> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in
> message news:usHp%23Z1jIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>> Then how does the local and server copies stay sync'd?
>>
>> They don't. That's the point. There is no local copy - your users are
>> directly accessing folders on the server.
>>
>>
>>>
>>> "Jason" <Jason@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>>> news:4FEAD8BB-E7BE-49A3-B791-BEEF3766C8D5@microsoft.com...
>>>> I disabled synchronisation when users started 'losing' files!
>>>>
>>>> "Mike in Nebraska" wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>
>>>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote
>>>>> in message
>>>>> news:ufcgxs0jIHA.2276@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>>>> Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
>>>>>>> ================
>>>>>>> I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head that
>>>>>>> Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I will
>>>>>>> need to explain WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How does the
>>>>>>> client My Docs folder sync with their
>>>>>>> \\<servername>\Users\<username> folder if synchronization is
>>>>>>> turned off? TIA,
>>>>>>> Mike Webb
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Create a GPO, link it at SBSUsers or MyBusiness, and in the user
>>>>>> section,
>>>>>> find the offline files bits & disable the obvious stuff.

Mike
Wed Mar 26 08:55:25 PDT 2008

I hadn't thought of that, thanks!

"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
<lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:%237R12k1jIHA.5660@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>> OK, but my boss who travels extensively with his laptop needs it. Might
>> be better to get him a portable HD to back up to.
>
> Nope....I'd put his laptop in its own OU (put it under
> MyBusiness\Computers and call it SBSLaptops). Create a custom GPO linked
> at that OU, using loopback processing so that he always gets the settings.
>
> I'd redirect My Documents only in the GPO for that OU - and redirect it to
> c:\data\%username% (make sure that folder exists!). Then use something
> like SecondCopy (www.centered.com) to sync it to the server when he
> connects.
>
>
>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in
>> message news:usHp%23Z1jIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>> Then how does the local and server copies stay sync'd?
>>>
>>> They don't. That's the point. There is no local copy - your users are
>>> directly accessing folders on the server.
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Jason" <Jason@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:4FEAD8BB-E7BE-49A3-B791-BEEF3766C8D5@microsoft.com...
>>>>> I disabled synchronisation when users started 'losing' files!
>>>>>
>>>>> "Mike in Nebraska" wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>>>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote
>>>>>> in message
>>>>>> news:ufcgxs0jIHA.2276@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>>>>> Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
>>>>>>>> ================
>>>>>>>> I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head that
>>>>>>>> Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I will
>>>>>>>> need to explain WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How does the
>>>>>>>> client My Docs folder sync with their
>>>>>>>> \\<servername>\Users\<username> folder if synchronization is
>>>>>>>> turned off? TIA,
>>>>>>>> Mike Webb
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Create a GPO, link it at SBSUsers or MyBusiness, and in the user
>>>>>>> section,
>>>>>>> find the offline files bits & disable the obvious stuff.
>
>
>

Dave
Wed Mar 26 09:03:26 PDT 2008

Personally, I would not disable offline files unless you are having major
issues. The offline copies are valuable if you have extended server down
time, which without offline will cause your users to lose access to all
their data.

I don't actually agree with the idea of turning it off in response to a
problem - I'd fix it - but I use offline files on about 30 client PCs here
and never have an issue. IMO, if it ain't broke, don't "fix" it.


"Mike in Nebraska" <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote in message
news:uJzhOn1jIHA.1744@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>I hadn't thought of that, thanks!
>
> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in
> message news:%237R12k1jIHA.5660@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>> OK, but my boss who travels extensively with his laptop needs it. Might
>>> be better to get him a portable HD to back up to.
>>
>> Nope....I'd put his laptop in its own OU (put it under
>> MyBusiness\Computers and call it SBSLaptops). Create a custom GPO linked
>> at that OU, using loopback processing so that he always gets the
>> settings.
>>
>> I'd redirect My Documents only in the GPO for that OU - and redirect it
>> to c:\data\%username% (make sure that folder exists!). Then use something
>> like SecondCopy (www.centered.com) to sync it to the server when he
>> connects.
>>
>>
>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in
>>> message news:usHp%23Z1jIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>> Then how does the local and server copies stay sync'd?
>>>>
>>>> They don't. That's the point. There is no local copy - your users are
>>>> directly accessing folders on the server.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "Jason" <Jason@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>>>>> news:4FEAD8BB-E7BE-49A3-B791-BEEF3766C8D5@microsoft.com...
>>>>>> I disabled synchronisation when users started 'losing' files!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Mike in Nebraska" wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>>>>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote
>>>>>>> in message
>>>>>>> news:ufcgxs0jIHA.2276@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>>>>>> Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
>>>>>>>>> ================
>>>>>>>>> I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head that
>>>>>>>>> Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I will
>>>>>>>>> need to explain WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How does the
>>>>>>>>> client My Docs folder sync with their
>>>>>>>>> \\<servername>\Users\<username> folder if synchronization is
>>>>>>>>> turned off? TIA,
>>>>>>>>> Mike Webb
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Create a GPO, link it at SBSUsers or MyBusiness, and in the user
>>>>>>>> section,
>>>>>>>> find the offline files bits & disable the obvious stuff.
>>
>>
>>
>
>

Lanwench
Wed Mar 26 09:22:52 PDT 2008

Dave Nickason [SBS MVP] <gwdibble@NOSPAM.frontiernet.net> wrote:
> Personally, I would not disable offline files unless you are having
> major issues. The offline copies are valuable if you have extended
> server down time, which without offline will cause your users to lose
> access to all their data.

Sure, everyone has their own views on this. Mine are, in a single server
environment, if things are so bad that the server crashes, I don't want
users accessing *anything* on the network, period, until I fix it...the
server should have reliable uptime. And in an environment with more than one
server, I'd have more than one DC, and would have file/print on a dedicated
box & likely be using DFS or similar. I make my clients invest in good
hardware with as much redundancy built in as possible, and crashes/outages
are extremely rare. The overhead on offline files is too high - and it means
that users can't reasonably roam between computers.
>
> I don't actually agree with the idea of turning it off in response to
> a problem - I'd fix it - but I use offline files on about 30 client
> PCs here and never have an issue. IMO, if it ain't broke, don't
> "fix" it.

Maybe you've never had someone scream at you because they decided to sync
10GB of data on a laptop & work on it over the weekend, and lost all their
changes. It happens - and recovery can be extremely difficult/painful, if
possible at all. Syncing does not always work. I have a tidy workaround for
laptop users.

. Just my $.02. Your mileage may vary, but I know I'm not the only admin
out here who doesn't like or use offline files. :)
>
>
> "Mike in Nebraska" <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote in message
> news:uJzhOn1jIHA.1744@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> I hadn't thought of that, thanks!
>>
>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in
>> message news:%237R12k1jIHA.5660@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>> OK, but my boss who travels extensively with his laptop needs it.
>>>> Might be better to get him a portable HD to back up to.
>>>
>>> Nope....I'd put his laptop in its own OU (put it under
>>> MyBusiness\Computers and call it SBSLaptops). Create a custom GPO
>>> linked at that OU, using loopback processing so that he always gets
>>> the settings.
>>>
>>> I'd redirect My Documents only in the GPO for that OU - and
>>> redirect it to c:\data\%username% (make sure that folder exists!).
>>> Then use something like SecondCopy (www.centered.com) to sync it to
>>> the server when he connects.
>>>
>>>
>>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in
>>>> message news:usHp%23Z1jIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>>> Then how does the local and server copies stay sync'd?
>>>>>
>>>>> They don't. That's the point. There is no local copy - your users
>>>>> are directly accessing folders on the server.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Jason" <Jason@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>>>>>> news:4FEAD8BB-E7BE-49A3-B791-BEEF3766C8D5@microsoft.com...
>>>>>>> I disabled synchronisation when users started 'losing' files!
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "Mike in Nebraska" wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>>>>>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com>
>>>>>>>> wrote in message
>>>>>>>> news:ufcgxs0jIHA.2276@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>> Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
>>>>>>>>>> ================
>>>>>>>>>> I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head that
>>>>>>>>>> Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I will
>>>>>>>>>> need to explain WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How does
>>>>>>>>>> the client My Docs folder sync with their
>>>>>>>>>> \\<servername>\Users\<username> folder if synchronization is
>>>>>>>>>> turned off? TIA,
>>>>>>>>>> Mike Webb
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Create a GPO, link it at SBSUsers or MyBusiness, and in the
>>>>>>>>> user section,
>>>>>>>>> find the offline files bits & disable the obvious stuff.

Mike
Wed Mar 26 09:37:01 PDT 2008

Good points, thanks. I learn something from each of your posts; thanks for
helping out.

Mike

"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
<lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:O0ZL$21jIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Dave Nickason [SBS MVP] <gwdibble@NOSPAM.frontiernet.net> wrote:
>> Personally, I would not disable offline files unless you are having
>> major issues. The offline copies are valuable if you have extended
>> server down time, which without offline will cause your users to lose
>> access to all their data.
>
> Sure, everyone has their own views on this. Mine are, in a single server
> environment, if things are so bad that the server crashes, I don't want
> users accessing *anything* on the network, period, until I fix it...the
> server should have reliable uptime. And in an environment with more than
> one server, I'd have more than one DC, and would have file/print on a
> dedicated box & likely be using DFS or similar. I make my clients invest
> in good hardware with as much redundancy built in as possible, and
> crashes/outages are extremely rare. The overhead on offline files is too
> high - and it means that users can't reasonably roam between computers.
>>
>> I don't actually agree with the idea of turning it off in response to
>> a problem - I'd fix it - but I use offline files on about 30 client
>> PCs here and never have an issue. IMO, if it ain't broke, don't
>> "fix" it.
>
> Maybe you've never had someone scream at you because they decided to sync
> 10GB of data on a laptop & work on it over the weekend, and lost all their
> changes. It happens - and recovery can be extremely difficult/painful, if
> possible at all. Syncing does not always work. I have a tidy workaround
> for laptop users.
>
> . Just my $.02. Your mileage may vary, but I know I'm not the only admin
> out here who doesn't like or use offline files. :)
>>
>>
>> "Mike in Nebraska" <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote in message
>> news:uJzhOn1jIHA.1744@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> I hadn't thought of that, thanks!
>>>
>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in
>>> message news:%237R12k1jIHA.5660@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>> OK, but my boss who travels extensively with his laptop needs it.
>>>>> Might be better to get him a portable HD to back up to.
>>>>
>>>> Nope....I'd put his laptop in its own OU (put it under
>>>> MyBusiness\Computers and call it SBSLaptops). Create a custom GPO
>>>> linked at that OU, using loopback processing so that he always gets
>>>> the settings.
>>>>
>>>> I'd redirect My Documents only in the GPO for that OU - and
>>>> redirect it to c:\data\%username% (make sure that folder exists!).
>>>> Then use something like SecondCopy (www.centered.com) to sync it to
>>>> the server when he connects.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in
>>>>> message news:usHp%23Z1jIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>>>> Then how does the local and server copies stay sync'd?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> They don't. That's the point. There is no local copy - your users
>>>>>> are directly accessing folders on the server.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "Jason" <Jason@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>>>>>>> news:4FEAD8BB-E7BE-49A3-B791-BEEF3766C8D5@microsoft.com...
>>>>>>>> I disabled synchronisation when users started 'losing' files!
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "Mike in Nebraska" wrote:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>>>>>>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com>
>>>>>>>>> wrote in message
>>>>>>>>> news:ufcgxs0jIHA.2276@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>> Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
>>>>>>>>>>> ================
>>>>>>>>>>> I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head that
>>>>>>>>>>> Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I will
>>>>>>>>>>> need to explain WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How does
>>>>>>>>>>> the client My Docs folder sync with their
>>>>>>>>>>> \\<servername>\Users\<username> folder if synchronization is
>>>>>>>>>>> turned off? TIA,
>>>>>>>>>>> Mike Webb
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Create a GPO, link it at SBSUsers or MyBusiness, and in the
>>>>>>>>>> user section,
>>>>>>>>>> find the offline files bits & disable the obvious stuff.
>
>
>

Mike
Thu Mar 27 05:44:14 PDT 2008

A couple follow-up questions .....
(1) Some of the staff complain that "some" of their files are Read-Only. Is
that an Ownership issue?
(2) When the boss disconnects his laptop, goes on a trip and comes back,
re-connects - he says his work that he did while gone "disappears and is
replaced with an old version that was on the server. How do I "fix" that?

Mike

"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
<lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:O0ZL$21jIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Dave Nickason [SBS MVP] <gwdibble@NOSPAM.frontiernet.net> wrote:
>> Personally, I would not disable offline files unless you are having
>> major issues. The offline copies are valuable if you have extended
>> server down time, which without offline will cause your users to lose
>> access to all their data.
>
> Sure, everyone has their own views on this. Mine are, in a single server
> environment, if things are so bad that the server crashes, I don't want
> users accessing *anything* on the network, period, until I fix it...the
> server should have reliable uptime. And in an environment with more than
> one server, I'd have more than one DC, and would have file/print on a
> dedicated box & likely be using DFS or similar. I make my clients invest
> in good hardware with as much redundancy built in as possible, and
> crashes/outages are extremely rare. The overhead on offline files is too
> high - and it means that users can't reasonably roam between computers.
>>
>> I don't actually agree with the idea of turning it off in response to
>> a problem - I'd fix it - but I use offline files on about 30 client
>> PCs here and never have an issue. IMO, if it ain't broke, don't
>> "fix" it.
>
> Maybe you've never had someone scream at you because they decided to sync
> 10GB of data on a laptop & work on it over the weekend, and lost all their
> changes. It happens - and recovery can be extremely difficult/painful, if
> possible at all. Syncing does not always work. I have a tidy workaround
> for laptop users.
>
> . Just my $.02. Your mileage may vary, but I know I'm not the only admin
> out here who doesn't like or use offline files. :)
>>
>>
>> "Mike in Nebraska" <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote in message
>> news:uJzhOn1jIHA.1744@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> I hadn't thought of that, thanks!
>>>
>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in
>>> message news:%237R12k1jIHA.5660@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>> OK, but my boss who travels extensively with his laptop needs it.
>>>>> Might be better to get him a portable HD to back up to.
>>>>
>>>> Nope....I'd put his laptop in its own OU (put it under
>>>> MyBusiness\Computers and call it SBSLaptops). Create a custom GPO
>>>> linked at that OU, using loopback processing so that he always gets
>>>> the settings.
>>>>
>>>> I'd redirect My Documents only in the GPO for that OU - and
>>>> redirect it to c:\data\%username% (make sure that folder exists!).
>>>> Then use something like SecondCopy (www.centered.com) to sync it to
>>>> the server when he connects.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in
>>>>> message news:usHp%23Z1jIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>>>> Then how does the local and server copies stay sync'd?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> They don't. That's the point. There is no local copy - your users
>>>>>> are directly accessing folders on the server.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "Jason" <Jason@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>>>>>>> news:4FEAD8BB-E7BE-49A3-B791-BEEF3766C8D5@microsoft.com...
>>>>>>>> I disabled synchronisation when users started 'losing' files!
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "Mike in Nebraska" wrote:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>>>>>>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com>
>>>>>>>>> wrote in message
>>>>>>>>> news:ufcgxs0jIHA.2276@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>> Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
>>>>>>>>>>> ================
>>>>>>>>>>> I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head that
>>>>>>>>>>> Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I will
>>>>>>>>>>> need to explain WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How does
>>>>>>>>>>> the client My Docs folder sync with their
>>>>>>>>>>> \\<servername>\Users\<username> folder if synchronization is
>>>>>>>>>>> turned off? TIA,
>>>>>>>>>>> Mike Webb
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Create a GPO, link it at SBSUsers or MyBusiness, and in the
>>>>>>>>>> user section,
>>>>>>>>>> find the offline files bits & disable the obvious stuff.
>
>
>

Lanwench
Thu Mar 27 05:58:23 PDT 2008

Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
> A couple follow-up questions .....
> (1) Some of the staff complain that "some" of their files are
> Read-Only. Is that an Ownership issue?

Not likely - but could be NTFS security. You should be able to verify and
fix this easily.

> (2) When the boss disconnects his laptop, goes on a trip and comes
> back, re-connects - he says his work that he did while gone
> "disappears and is replaced with an old version that was on the
> server. How do I "fix" that?

You need to take a closer look at your offline files setup. If I were you,
I'd get rid of it - I've already explained how. But if you want to use it,
you'll need to troubleshoot it & look for errors.
>
> Mike
>
> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in
> message news:O0ZL$21jIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> Dave Nickason [SBS MVP] <gwdibble@NOSPAM.frontiernet.net> wrote:
>>> Personally, I would not disable offline files unless you are having
>>> major issues. The offline copies are valuable if you have extended
>>> server down time, which without offline will cause your users to
>>> lose access to all their data.
>>
>> Sure, everyone has their own views on this. Mine are, in a single
>> server environment, if things are so bad that the server crashes, I
>> don't want users accessing *anything* on the network, period, until
>> I fix it...the server should have reliable uptime. And in an
>> environment with more than one server, I'd have more than one DC,
>> and would have file/print on a dedicated box & likely be using DFS
>> or similar. I make my clients invest in good hardware with as much
>> redundancy built in as possible, and crashes/outages are extremely
>> rare. The overhead on offline files is too high - and it means that
>> users can't reasonably roam between computers.
>>>
>>> I don't actually agree with the idea of turning it off in response
>>> to a problem - I'd fix it - but I use offline files on about 30
>>> client PCs here and never have an issue. IMO, if it ain't broke,
>>> don't "fix" it.
>>
>> Maybe you've never had someone scream at you because they decided to
>> sync 10GB of data on a laptop & work on it over the weekend, and
>> lost all their changes. It happens - and recovery can be extremely
>> difficult/painful, if possible at all. Syncing does not always work.
>> I have a tidy workaround for laptop users.
>>
>> . Just my $.02. Your mileage may vary, but I know I'm not the only
>> admin out here who doesn't like or use offline files. :)
>>>
>>>
>>> "Mike in Nebraska" <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote in message
>>> news:uJzhOn1jIHA.1744@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>> I hadn't thought of that, thanks!
>>>>
>>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote in
>>>> message news:%237R12k1jIHA.5660@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>>> OK, but my boss who travels extensively with his laptop needs it.
>>>>>> Might be better to get him a portable HD to back up to.
>>>>>
>>>>> Nope....I'd put his laptop in its own OU (put it under
>>>>> MyBusiness\Computers and call it SBSLaptops). Create a custom GPO
>>>>> linked at that OU, using loopback processing so that he always
>>>>> gets the settings.
>>>>>
>>>>> I'd redirect My Documents only in the GPO for that OU - and
>>>>> redirect it to c:\data\%username% (make sure that folder exists!).
>>>>> Then use something like SecondCopy (www.centered.com) to sync it
>>>>> to the server when he connects.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>>>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com> wrote
>>>>>> in message news:usHp%23Z1jIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>>>>> Then how does the local and server copies stay sync'd?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> They don't. That's the point. There is no local copy - your
>>>>>>> users are directly accessing folders on the server.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "Jason" <Jason@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>>>>>>>> news:4FEAD8BB-E7BE-49A3-B791-BEEF3766C8D5@microsoft.com...
>>>>>>>>> I disabled synchronisation when users started 'losing' files!
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> "Mike in Nebraska" wrote:
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>>>>>>>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatyahoo.com>
>>>>>>>>>> wrote in message
>>>>>>>>>> news:ufcgxs0jIHA.2276@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>>>>>> Mike in Nebraska <Miike_Webb@whoopingcrane.org> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>> Running SBS 2003 Premium SP2.
>>>>>>>>>>>> ================
>>>>>>>>>>>> I'm finally getting it through my (sometimes) thick head
>>>>>>>>>>>> that Synchronization needs to be shut off on the clients. I
>>>>>>>>>>>> will need to explain WHY to the staff, but I'm stumped. How
>>>>>>>>>>>> does the client My Docs folder syn