What are "Offline files" ?

[Peter Eisenman]

Much to my surprise I noticed that there are "Offline files" on my WinXP system.

I thought that the only kind of "Offline files" are web pages retrieved by
IntExp and stored in the temp folder.

But there must be other files for network (LAN) files too.
From what I know this feature enable the user to work with files from other LAN network
computers even if I disconnect from LAN network. Hmm, earlier this morning
I edited some files on a neighbor computer (in a Workgroup). To verify
the "Offline file" mechanism I disconnected and tried to edit the remote files
afterwards.

But I could not edit them although "Offline files" are enabled. So what?
Why can't I edit them ?

I don't remember how but I got to a dialog named "Offline Files Settings".
How do I open directly this dialog normally ? I do not found a menu entry in the IntExplorer.
Is it hidden in the control panel somewhere?

What are the disadvantages when I disable Offline Files?

The check box "Display a reminder every 60 minutes" is checked.
But I never got a reminder popup although I edit someetimes remote (text) files.
Why ?

Peter

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

In

Much to my surprise I noticed that there are "Offline files" on my
WinXP system.

I thought that the only kind of "Offline files" are web pages
retrieved by
IntExp and stored in the temp folder.

But there must be other files for network (LAN) files too.

http://www.uwgb.edu/compserv/ehelp/internet/offline_laptop.htm might be
useful reading (more than the MS pages).

From what I know this feature enable the user to work with files from
other LAN network computers even if I disconnect from LAN network.

Yes, if you set them for offline use.

Hmm, earlier this morning
I edited some files on a neighbor computer (in a Workgroup). To verify
the "Offline file" mechanism I disconnected and tried to edit the
remote files
afterwards.

But I could not edit them although "Offline files" are enabled. So
what?
Why can't I edit them ?

Because you didn't make them available offline.

I don't remember how but I got to a dialog named "Offline Files
Settings".
How do I open directly this dialog normally ? I do not found a menu
entry in the IntExplorer. Is it hidden in the control panel somewhere?

What are the disadvantages when I disable Offline Files?

None, really, if you aren't using the feature. Personally, I'm not a big
fan - I recommend SecondCopy from www.centered.com as a better alternative.

The check box "Display a reminder every 60 minutes" is checked.
But I never got a reminder popup although I edit someetimes remote
(text) files.
Why ?

Hope the above helps clear this up for you.

 

[Guest]

Hey Peter, I have had the same problems with my laptop, desk top and shared
folders. I can only edit a shared file if the original computer is on. I
don't know if this is your problem, but if the files are shared files, then
this may be why you can't edit them.

 

[Guest]

There are 3 steps. Fast user switching must be off. The file itself must be
enabled for offline use and the computer must be configured to cache offline
files.

In a nutshell:
1 In My Computer or My Network Places, right click the folder.
2 Click Sharing and Security.
3 Click share this folder and click Caching.
4 Choose a setting and click OK.
5 Open any Windows Explorer window and click on Tools.
6 Click on Folder Options.
7 Click the Offline Files tab.
8 At the minimum, check enable offline files.

If you do not see an Offline Files tab then Fast User Switching is on, or
you are using XP Home. To turn off Fast Switching, go through the Control
Panel>User Accounts>Change How Users Log On.

Paul Shafer, MCDST