How/why did off-line files get invoked?

[njem]

I have a db with the data on the server and several stations doing
data entry. We had mysterious instances of missing data. I finally
discovered one station that had off-line files enabled. It was
apparently syncing it's local copy with that on the server and,
depending on which was newer, sometimes the server copy would get
overwritten, sometimes the local copy would.

1. What would turn on off-line files? This user couldn't have found
that setting to save their life, much less have just stumbled on it.
And they're a very reasonable, reliable person who wouldn't just play
with settings or fail to mention if, for instance, some pop up
suggested they turn on some feature unknown to them. Are there
applications that enable the feature on install? Does Windows enable
it itself if it thinks it's needed?

2. This is on a desktop that doesn't seem to have any connection
problems, and the network and server are always on (except for
maintenance reboot or such). Even if off-line files is enabled, why
would the local station ever revert to using local files when the live
files are available? The way I discovered this was a balloon popped up
from the task bar telling me off-line files were in use. I immediately
checked if server files were available, and they were. (I've since
turned off the feature.)

I could see maybe the off-line feature fetching copies on shutdown or
on going to sleep, and checking which is most current on start up. But
if it's doing it right it should see that the server copy is at least
as current and so always work on that copy. There would never be a
reason for it to prefer to use the local copy when the server one is
available. So even if enabled, why would it use it?

Kind of scary to realize one little, obscure, unnoticed checkbox can
mess up so much data.

Thanks,
Tom

Also posted to network_web

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Monday, February 23, 2009 8:13:17 AM, and on a
whim, njem pounded out on the keyboard:

I have a db with the data on the server and several stations doing
data entry. We had mysterious instances of missing data. I finally
discovered one station that had off-line files enabled. It was
apparently syncing it's local copy with that on the server and,
depending on which was newer, sometimes the server copy would get
overwritten, sometimes the local copy would.

1. What would turn on off-line files? This user couldn't have found
that setting to save their life, much less have just stumbled on it.
And they're a very reasonable, reliable person who wouldn't just play
with settings or fail to mention if, for instance, some pop up
suggested they turn on some feature unknown to them. Are there
applications that enable the feature on install? Does Windows enable
it itself if it thinks it's needed?

2. This is on a desktop that doesn't seem to have any connection
problems, and the network and server are always on (except for
maintenance reboot or such). Even if off-line files is enabled, why
would the local station ever revert to using local files when the live
files are available? The way I discovered this was a balloon popped up
from the task bar telling me off-line files were in use. I immediately
checked if server files were available, and they were. (I've since
turned off the feature.)

I could see maybe the off-line feature fetching copies on shutdown or
on going to sleep, and checking which is most current on start up. But
if it's doing it right it should see that the server copy is at least
as current and so always work on that copy. There would never be a
reason for it to prefer to use the local copy when the server one is
available. So even if enabled, why would it use it?

Kind of scary to realize one little, obscure, unnoticed checkbox can
mess up so much data.

Thanks,
Tom

Also posted to network_web

Hi Tom,

Unfortunately, even "reasonable" people do things that might not do what
they expected. OF doesn't get turned on by itself. Don't bother
looking any further than the users of the workstation.


Terry R.

 

[njem]

The date and time was Monday, February 23, 2009 8:13:17 AM, and on a
whim, njem pounded out on the keyboard:








Hi Tom,

Unfortunately, even "reasonable" people do things that might not do what
they expected.  OF doesn't get turned on by itself.  Don't bother
looking any further than the users of the workstation.

Terry R.

Terry,

Of course that option has to be held open, but with all the quirks Win
has, and with all the strange things programmers put into third party
software, I wouldn't be surprised if someone else has experienced the
same thing and found some software or setting that lead to it. When
you respond to a question with no new info to offer it lessens the
chances of getting an answer since people see that it has at least
gotten a response. If I got no responses that would tell me there's no
other explanation to find here. So if you don't have any new info to
offer it would be polite to not respond.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[Leythos]

I have a db with the data on the server and several stations doing
data entry. We had mysterious instances of missing data. I finally
discovered one station that had off-line files enabled. It was
apparently syncing it's local copy with that on the server and,
depending on which was newer, sometimes the server copy would get
overwritten, sometimes the local copy would.

A file based database is a BAD idea - try using MS SQL instead, it would
eliminate the issues you describe and it would also make your database
more reliable and less prone to problems.

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Monday, February 23, 2009 8:50:31 AM, and on a
whim, njem pounded out on the keyboard:

Terry,

Of course that option has to be held open, but with all the quirks Win
has, and with all the strange things programmers put into third party
software, I wouldn't be surprised if someone else has experienced the
same thing and found some software or setting that lead to it. When
you respond to a question with no new info to offer it lessens the
chances of getting an answer since people see that it has at least
gotten a response. If I got no responses that would tell me there's no
other explanation to find here. So if you don't have any new info to
offer it would be polite to not respond.

Thanks,
Tom

Just because I've never experienced what you did doesn't mean I don't
know what I'm talking about. I've worked with networks for years and
used to use OF a lot.

But I've removed it from every network laptop user and gone to other
methods because OF is flaky and unreliable, and many software packages
recommend against it.

But you keep sitting here and wait for that someone to come along and
agree with you if it makes you feel better. But don't be "surprised" if
no one else agrees with you blaming "all the quirks Win has".

Terry R.

 

[njem]

A file based database is a BAD idea - try using MS SQL instead, it would
eliminate the issues you describe and it would also make your database
more reliable and less prone to problems.

--
- Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum.
- Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented worker" is like calling a
  drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist"
(e-mail address removed) (remove 999 for proper email address)

Thanks for the suggestion.

Tom

 

[Leythos]

Thanks for the suggestion.

Depending on your "database" you can install SQL desktop or one of the
free versions on a server and you will provide better service to your
customers.

Consider Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, it's free.