Can offline files be used locally while online?

[Shinken]

Situation is:

Two offices, about a mile apart. The main office is a domain running Win200 Server and 8 WinXP Pro workstations (clients). Internet connection is very solid, averaging around 1.3Mbps down and 325Kbps up.

The remote office runs 4 WinXP Pro workstations connected to the server via a site-to-site VPN (through 2 Sonicwall VPN/Routers). Internet connection is very poor, averaging around 650Kbps down and 130Kbps up. The ISP has been unable to bring the speed up to spec (300K up /750K down). Unfortunately, this location is truly remote, with only a single broadband ISP available, and no faster service possible at this location, so there are no options here.

And here is the problem:

The very slow DSL connection at the remote office means that when users in the remote office access their My Documents (in the \users folder on the server), response is very sluggish.

Offline Files is enabled.

What I want to do is set the remote office computers to default to the My Documents on their local machines, synchronizing with their \user\<username> folder on the server when the log off, or on demand. Essentially, reverse the Offline Files process.

Is there an way to do this within the Offline Files structure?

If not, then I'll use a sync app, such as SyncBack (BTW, great freeware) to synch with the server, but I'd prefer to stay within the Offline Files structure if possible.

BTW, I've recommended a second server at the remote office, but the owner of the firm is reluctant to spend the $5K+ needed to buy & set up a (replicating) domain controller for the remote office.

Thanks,

Phil

 

[bcastner]

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=312171

____________________________
Users Helping Users

 

[Shinken]

Good info, but nothing new, just setup info.

Offline Files appears to have been designed to allow users to work offline when there is no network connection, but does not appear to allow users to work on the offline cache stored on their computer while there is a network connection - only when the connection is lost.

I could setup a shortcut to the offline files cache folder, but that is a pretty kludgy way to do it and may lead to unforseen problems down the road. Similarly, disconnecting the network cable or disabling the network connection to force offline files to access the local cache would also be cumbersome and not an acceptable solution.

I was hoping that there was a (possibly undocumented) way to have Offline Files allow the user to Work Offline even when a network connection is present. Apparently, nobody has considered slow network connections via a VPN.

Regards,

Phil

 

[bcastner]

Apparently, nobody has considered slow network connections via a VPN."

I beg to differ:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811525

____________________________
Users Helping Users

 

[Shinken]

aaahhh so! A hidden hotfix...and they say don't use it unless you need it, otherwise wait for the next service pack - which w/W2K Server is not very likely. And even then, I had to follow a trail of breadcrumbs until I found the download. However, I've located and downloaded the SP4 Rollup 2 file and will install it later, when nobody is in the office and I can reboot the server.

I'll let you know if it solves the problem.

Thanks

Phil