DFS Replication

What is the purpose of DFS Replication?

I use this on my Windows 2003 R2 server, but I don't see how this plays in
Vista.

KB930516 suggest that it can be used as follows: "Also, you can
successfully use only the Windows Vista version of the DFS Replication
service in peer-to-peer DFS Replication service groups". What does this
mean?

o Can I use DFSR between two Vista machines? If so, do these machines need
to be joined to a domain in the same forest?

o Between Vista and 2003 R2? If so, does Vista need to be joined to this
domain? (KB930516 indicates not)

o Can it be used for offline folders, redirected folders or roaming profile
on the domain?

o Where is the management console?

o Does it require a DFS namespace?

--
Thanks,
Bob

Hello Bob,

Thank you for posting here.

Based on your concern about DFS Replication service, I'd like to share my
knowledge with you.

Analysis:
==========

1. DFS Replication service replicates files among multiple PCs keeping them
in sync. On Client, it is used to roam folders between PCs(peer-to-peer);
on server, it is used to provide high availability and local access across
a wide area network (WAN). If the service is stopped, file replication
does not occur, and the files on the server become out-of-date. If the
service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will not
start, such as RPC and COM+ Event system.

2. In Windows Vista this service kicks in when you use the "People Near Me"
networking feature of Windows Vista and its role, in that environment,
please ensure that all the users participating in a particular "People Near
Me" network, see at all times the exact same files and folders that are
being shared.

3. There is no DFS Replication management console on Windows Vista and it
only can be installed on Server side. Since the Windows Vista version of
the DFS Replication service differs from the Windows Server 2003 R2 version
of the DFS Replication service. A Windows Vista-based client computer does
not participate in the replication process if you add the client computer
to a DFS Replication service group by using the DFS Management snap-in on a
Windows Server 2003 R2-based computer.

4. You may use DFSR to roam and view share folders between two Vista
machine. There is no need for them to join the domain.
5. The default startup mode of DFS Replication service on Windows Vista is
Manual. Windows will automatically start this service when it need.

Reference:
==========

A Windows Vista-based client computer does not participate in the
replication process if you add the client computer to a DFS Replication
service group by using the DFS Management snap-in on a Windows Server 2003
R2-based computer

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/930516


I hope all the information will help. I'm looking forward to your reply.

Thanks for your time.

David Shen
Microsoft Online Partner Support
Microsoft Global Technology Support Center