Windows Server 2008 offline file configuration guide

This article will describe how to use the offline file function to cache your files and folders from a remote server, and make them available after disconnecting from the network. Of course, the focus of this article is on the function of offline files. New improvements in Windows Server 2008.

What is the offline file feature of Windows Server 2008

Offline file is a feature reserved in Windows Server 2008 to disconnect from the network In this case, the user is still able to access the files in the remote network shared folder normally. The user's computer will cache the files on the server and store them locally. Once the functionality of the offline file is configured to be enabled, the concept of a cache file will be completely transparent to the user.

For example, if a user wants to access a file in a shared folder named MyShare on the Filesrv server, he can access it via the UNC path FilesrvMySharePathToMyFile. Then, when there is no connection to the network, when the user tries to access the file through the same UNC path, the file will be opened as usual. With offline files, you can continue to use network files and programs even if you are not connected to the network. If you disconnect from the network or remove the laptop, the view of the shared network resource that is designated for offline use will be identical to the previous connection to the network.

Users can continue working as usual. Access to these files and folders is exactly the same as when you previously connected to the network. When the connection status changes, the "Offline File" icon will appear in the notification area, and a balloon will be displayed in the notification area to inform the user of the change.

When a network connection is restored or a laptop is docked, all changes made by the user when offline are updated by default to the network. When users and other people on the network make changes to the same file, users can choose to save their own file version to the network, keep other versions, or both versions. Any changes made to the file by the user while offline will be synchronized back to the server after the network connection is restored. Offline files are especially useful for people who use laptops and those who travel frequently or whose office network is unstable.

Offline files are cached on the user's local computer so that users can carry out their work without interruption, and all information will be automatically synchronized to the server when the network is connected.
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