Hi I have a fairly basic question regarding how domains and Win Server 2003 works. I recently moved some files about from an external hard disk into the "my documents" folder. Now when logging onto the domain, the logon takes FOREVER. If I unplug the network cable during this process I´m more or less immediately given an error about so or so file could not be copied. It seems clear there is some sync going on that is taking ages and I´ve interrupted. But just what is syncing and why? Is Windows trying to sync all my files upto the server? How can I find out and if so, stop this behaviour? Thanks, this is probably a very naive question. This question is also posted in 'networking' by mistake. After over 24hrs it still has no replies. I couldn't find any way to move it myself and could still less find a way to ask a moderator to move it for me. Moderators: please feel free to delete it and apologies for the double-post.

Try disabling offline files. "So won’t you give this man his wings What a shame To have to beg you to see We’re not all the same What a shame" - Shinedown

Hmmm... thanks for the reply, I guess, but in order to understand the issue it would be great to know the ins and outs as well as a possible solution. For example issues left unresolved are: -where do the files exist in their entirety -what was going on with the long log ons -what is the disadvantage to turning off offline files -what is the default setting -why was offline files on in the first place if it takes so long -which folders get synced but maybe computing.net isn't the place for that sort of reply. Maybe that's when you have to pay someone to help you?

Look at the synchronization settings. That will tell you what you want to know. "So won’t you give this man his wings What a shame To have to beg you to see We’re not all the same What a shame" - Shinedown

Hi, unfortunately they didn't. I'm afraid for this question it's a bit like answering someone who is having problems with IMAP sync settings "take a look at your mail program". It seems a helpful thing to say but actually it isn't. Logon never actually completes because there is too much to be transferred. If I unplug the connection after an hour I get an error about a specific file could not be copied and that the local profile will be loaded. But I don't understand why files which were transferred to this user's my documents folder seem now to be hosted on the server and are transferred to the computer on each logon. Any ideas? I have a backup of the files so that's not a problem but I want to solve this...

"f I unplug the connection after an hour I get an error about a specific file could not be copied and that the local profile will be loaded." Why didn't you say that in your original post? It sounds like your Domain is setup for Roaming Profiles. Talk to your Sys Admin. EEOC