Windows explorer does not refesh network folders content

[ProTechGuru]

After dragging and dropping (or sometimes copying or deleting) files to a network shared folder, the files do not appear in Windows Explorer.

To see the files, I have to refresh (F5) and the files suddenly appear.

Does anyone know how to make Windows Explorer automatically refresh or update network shared folder contents automatically ?

Thanks

 

[linney]

You could also look at your Video driver and see if there is an update available.



This is an experimental registry hack, it means adding keys to Vista in order to just to check it out, so be careful if you go down that path.

Windows xp explorer refresh issue

http://groups.google.com/group/micr...refresh+windows&rnum=6&hl=en#eff17701a0124d1d

Registry Backup and Restore for Windows NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista

http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt/

 

[ProTechGuru]

Hi Linney

Thanks for the suggestions.

I came across the UpdateMode key fix but as it was only posted for NT4/2k/XP (and the key is not present in Vista) I decided it probably doesn't apply. I think I will try this as a last resort seeing as this key's path is no longer part of Vista as so is probably not a recommended option.

I struggle to understand why the graphics card driver would have any bearing on this issue. What is your rationale for suggesting this ?

Just to add some more information in case that provides someone with an idea of what the problem might be...
All folders stored on local drives update when dragging and dropping - I only experience the issue with network shares. The shares are on a Windows Server 2003 server and the problematic Vista machine is a member of the domain.

Any more suggestions would be appreciated...

 

[ProTechGuru]

...more information to assist in solving this one:

If I map a drive to a network share, the mapped drive contents automatically update no problems.

The same network share accessed via Microsoft Windows Network (i.e. using a UNC path) is where I do have the problem of the folder content not updating automatically.

So:
Folders opened using UNC = Problem
Mapped drives = Ok
Local drives = Ok

 

[linney]

What is your rationale for suggesting this ?"

Basically none, other that I have seen it suggested around the traps, including here on Tek-Tips, so I just passed it on along with the other suggestions.

These are just about UNC problems, you might think they apply to just XP but they probably apply to Vista just as much, Microsoft tends to build new systems based on much of the older codes, probably why things from way back still will work in Vista.

Slow network browsing in Windows XP

http://www.ss64.com/nt/slow_browsing.html

"If the My Network Places folder contains a shortcut to a network share, each refresh of the Explorer window will attempt to read icon information from every file across the network. This is a slow process. Simply deleting all the shortcuts from My Network Places will return the system response to normal.
Every time you open a file via a UNC name, XP adds a shortcut to the My Network Places folder. You can prevent the addition of shortcuts by setting 'HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\NoRecentDocsNetHood' to 1."

Need more speed?

http://www.techworld.com/features/index.cfm?featureID=2579&printerfriendly=1

 

[ProTechGuru]

Thanks again Linney. I updated the video card driver with no change.

Anyone else have any suggestions as to why UNC connection network shared folders do not automatically refresh ? - is anyone else having this problem ?

 

[linney]

Just out of interest, do you see the same behavior if you are running under "Safe Mode with Networking"? What about in Normal Mode, but with a different User?

 

[madfred]

Hello,

I've the same problem. Any solution yet?

Thanks!!

 

[ProTechGuru]

Hi madfred

Yes I did manage to sort out the problem.

Unfortunately, I don't think I can be of much assistance to help resolve other folks' similar problems.

As far as I can recall, I managed to resolve the problem by installing a Vista compatible Canon scanner driver. I had previously installed a non-Vista compatible scanner driver and then uninstalled it. I know it sounds a bit weird, but from memory, I believe it was the scanner driver that cured the problem.

Please let me know how you managed to resolve the issue (as and when you get there!)