Learning about DFS

[Noone]

Where can one find easy to understand instructions on how DFS works? I have
been pondering on whether or not to use it, but the more I look into it the
more confused I get.

The objective I seek is I have 2 servers. Server A and B. Each server has
its own set of programs and data on that server. What I would like to do is
have a domain share set up one for programs and one for Data. Lets call them
I: for data and J: for programs. We would then like the data to replicate
between servers so in the event one server fails we can manually or
automatically do whatever voodoo you do to get the users back up and
running.

The problem is I have no clue what to do or where to start. I have tried
reading the Microsoft's books on DFS, but have not been able to decipher
their encrypted writings, which they are notorious for. If anyone knows
where to find information on DFS that normal people can understand please
let me know.

 

[Murali Brahmadesam [MSFT]]

Hi,
you can solve this easily with DFS
create a Domain based DFS root named say "DFSRoot"
so you would access the root by \\Domain\DFSRoot
create 2 links under this root

\\Domain\DFSRoot\Data pointing to \\ServerA\Data, \\ServerB\Data
\\Domain\DFSRoot\Programs pointing to \\ServerA\Programs, \\ServerB\Programs

Enable replication using FRS on these links. Use dfsgui.msc for these tasks.

Here are some links
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/techinfo/overview/dfs.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/techinfo/overview/dfsfaq.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/docs/dfs.swf

Thanks
Murali

 

[OregonSteve]

Greetings-

Late, but better than never... here's a good link:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/planning/fileandprint/dfssteps.asp

Thanx
OregonSteve