Windows Server DFS – PT 2

DFS – Part Continued from previous [Part 1]

7. A share folder will need to be created for this SOHO LAN. This is where downloads, shared digital images or departmental folders and files, etc. for common network usage will be placed. For the DFS root, you can create a folder off the C:\ drive (or another spare drive would be better, if available), calling it ‘Public’ or ‘DFS’, for example. Choose a simple, intuitive name. If already available, use an existing share. Or, to create it from here, choose a New Share filling in the path and the name of the share, ‘Public’ in my case / Next:

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8. If going with a folder that has already been created, a name must be entered, keeping in mind again that this should be an intuitive one, especially for typical domain users. The final easy step is “Completing the New DFS Root Wizard” which provides a summary of what is being created.

9. The Tree now appears in the MMC [you will not see a Plus sign until after nodes are added]. Note the shared symbol with the hand under the name of the DFS tree:

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10. Opposite-click the DFS tree just created and “Check Status”. Now should be visible a green check mark if all is well. A this point the DFS tree can be filled with the all the shares:

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11. DFS links need to be added manually. Any folders needed to be viewed by users within the DFS hierarchy will need to be added this way afterward as well. Opposite-click the root just created, and choose ‘New DFS Link’. Here in the Wizard the Link name and a comment need to be added. I like to share any downloaded freeware and shareware on my SOHO network, so I call this one ‘Downloads’. The comment field should be self-explicable, and intuitive especially if many folders are to be shared in the future. Companies and other organizations would obviously want to share certain departmental files, for example.

The middle field, “Send the user to this shared folder”, needs to be browsed for location purposes. You will need to path out directly through the ‘Entire Network’ to get to the server share. It can be located on any server in the domain! Of course, the server must be accessible, must be networked correctly, <b>and the shares must already be created with proper permissions. Before hitting OK, keep in mind that the “Clients cache this referral for 1800 seconds” (1800 is default) should be evaluated. This refers to the amount of time that DFS will hold file folder cache information. So, if a file in this DFS link is modified by another user within 1800 seconds, then the current cache will not be updated. Hit OK:

12. The DFS link just created now shows in the left pane of the DFS MMC. Again, opposite-click to “Check Status”, which checks it in to the DFS root, in a manner of speaking. After the green check mark shows, the DFS share is completed. Add as many as needed for employee access and convenience:

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