Offline files affecting large file performance

[Nick]

I use an xp pro machine that is part of an SBS '03 domain. Documents are
stored on the server and many are accessed using offline files. The desktop
is always connected to the server - never offline.

Some large image files are included in offline files so that they can be
accessed by laptop remotely. When these files are accessed by the desktop,
response time is very slow. Is this because the desktop is online?

If I take an image file and first copy it to the local machine, then I can
open it in 10 or so seconds. When accessed by the server unc path (I assume
stored locally as an offline file as well), it takes over a minute just to
open it.

How should we be doing this? It would be best if these files could be
opened both on the laptop and desktop.

Nick

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I use an xp pro machine that is part of an SBS '03 domain. Documents are
stored on the server and many are accessed using
offline files. The desktop is always connected to the server -
never offline.
Some large image files are included in offline files so that they
can be accessed by laptop remotely. When these files are accessed
by the desktop, response time is very slow. Is this because the
desktop is online?
If I take an image file and first copy it to the local machine,
then I can open it in 10 or so seconds. When accessed by the
server unc path (I assume stored locally as an offline file as
well), it takes over a minute just to open it.

How should we be doing this? It would be best if these files could
be opened both on the laptop and desktop.

Why store them in offline files at all - is your work network that
unreliable?

Just store them on the server - then access them as needed.

 

[Nick]

I don't know what you mean by "is your work network that unreliable?" The
unanswered questions are about...

(1) whether offline files usage (while a machine is online), or the network
access itself is slowing performance. If the latter, then storing them on
the server would not help.

(2) Does keeping files in the offline folder while the machine is online
equate to accessing them over the network?

Nick

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I use an xp pro machine that is part of an SBS '03 domain. Documents are
stored on the server and many are accessed using
offline files. The desktop is always connected to the server -
never offline.
Some large image files are included in offline files so that they
can be accessed by laptop remotely. When these files are accessed
by the desktop, response time is very slow. Is this because the
desktop is online?
If I take an image file and first copy it to the local machine,
then I can open it in 10 or so seconds. When accessed by the
server unc path (I assume stored locally as an offline file as
well), it takes over a minute just to open it.

How should we be doing this? It would be best if these files could
be opened both on the laptop and desktop.

I don't know what you mean by "is your work network that
unreliable?" The unanswered questions are about...

(1) whether offline files usage (while a machine is online), or the
network access itself is slowing performance. If the latter, then
storing them on the server would not help.

(2) Does keeping files in the offline folder while the machine is
online equate to accessing them over the network?

I just see no need for the offline file usage in the case you have given.
Offline files are not there so things can be accessed remotely - there there
so you can access your files when you are not online - connected to the
server - and they are to synchronize when you are.

If these files are to only be accessed from the server - and there is no
need/desire for anyone to access these files when not connected to the
server - then offline files is a moot point.

The needed test would be..
Copy that file to some share not setup for offline files - open that file
directly from the network.. How'd it do?

 

[Nick]

Thanks for your help with this. Why does it matter why I'm doing it? I was
just hoping to hear whether or not the online/offline status affected
performance. That was my only question.

Regarding remote use, I should have used the term 'offline.' I work on
these files when away from home on the laptop, so they are accessible both
on the desktop when I'm home, and the laptop when away.

I do appreciate your taking time to help me.

Nick