Privacy and Security Notice

Offline Files On Windows

Windows Offline Files Support

Offline files allow you to make a network file or folder, such as your home directory, available to you while you are not connected to the network. The process documented below assumes a WindowsXP client. While these features are also available on Windows 2000 Professional, the dialogs vary slightly from what is shown here.

Overview

This is done through the use of a local cache that is periodically synchronized with the directory on the server so the files are kept current in both locations. This means if a file in your home directory is modified while your computer is not connected to the network, it will be updated the next time a synchronization occurs. If you modify a file locally on your computer, it will be updated on the server when the system is synchronized. Synchonization is configurable and can be triggered, scheduled or can take place when you logon or logoff. All the files that you make availble offline will be available when you are not connected to the network just as if you were. You can set up multiple files or folders this way. A number of options are available to adjust the behavior to suit your work habits. Be aware that synchronization of a large number of files may take some time (minutes) and would be inconvenient in the middle of a presentation, or when you were trying to pack and leave.
 

Enabling Offline Files

If you simply navigate to any network file or folder (on your J: or M: drives, for example) and right click on it, you can select "Make Available Offline".
If this is the first time you have enabled any offline files, you will be giuded through a wizard that offers a few options. These options are described below, but the defaults offered by Windows represent a good first guess for most users. Otherwise, you should see a dialog asking whether you want all the subfolders to be made avaible, or just the folder you clicked on...
You should now see a dialoging showing progress as the files are synchronized into your local cache.
You are now done setting up Offline Files for your folder. NOTE: You can also do additional folders. Your folders should now have an icon on them like the one in the screen shot below
 

Adjusting the Configuration

In your tool tray, you should see an icon that allows you to control offline file cacheing including setting options, triggering manual synchronizations, and viewing a list of all of the files you are currently cacheing.
Selecting "Settings" from the tool tray icon menu presents the following dialog. Note that these options are for all Offline Files on your system, not just a particular folder or file. You can use these options to adjust your synchronization settings. Also, for any laptop system that may cache sensitive data, the option to encrypt offline files should be selected.

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Copyright Jefferson Lab 2007