Access Network Files Offline

In most organizations, employees keep important files and documents on the network file server and may share these files amongst themselves. In a scenario, when a user moves out of office but still needs those files to work on, it is difficult to configure this without using Web-based tools or FTP. Even then, the user has to first get Internet access, login, and then access the files. 

One way out, would be taking a copy of those files along and after working on them, saving the files back on the server. This is not only cumbersome but some changes may be missed out. 

Win XP has a feature called synchronize, which allows you to automate this. It creates an offline copy of the files you specify on your local machine. When you are reconnected to that network, 

Win XP will automatically synchronize these files to the server. We'll walk you through configuring this feature in just four easy steps.

In 'My Computer', go to the File menu and select Tools> Folder Options. Here select the 'Offline Files' tab and check off 'Enable Offline Files' and then click on OK Open 'My Network Places' and double click on the network place, where the target resides. Right click on it and select 'Make Available Offline' The files will be copied to your PC. A synchronization error message will pop up if any of them are in use. Ignore it To schedule synchronization, from Start>Programs> Accessories>Synchronize, click on 'Setup' and 'On Idle'

Sanjay Majumder