XP {Profiles

[faza]

Hi,

I have a Windows Server 2003 network with XP pro clients. When users logon to the network it copies everything from their home directory on the server to the local machine they are loggin on to. Is this correct? As you can imagine if the profile is large 300mb and there is like 100-150 users logging on simultaneously it is a really strain on the netowrk.

Is this the correct procedure to copy all the work down to the workstation?

If so how can i stop this happening, i thought a feasible solution would be to only logon on to the network and then to access the folders and files when the user neded them. This would reduce the network traffic tremendously.

[ChrisH]

You need to disable offline files in Group policy. A quick search should bring you full instructions.

[faza]

Will that stop the work and everything being copied to the local machine (the machine that the user is loggining on with)?

[ChrisH]

Yes it will.

[faza]

Should be a lot faster at logging on then aswell if it is not copying all the work across.

[Ric_]

@faza: There are also policy settings for limiting profile size and re-directing common folders (e.g. Desktop, Start Menu, etc.)

It might be worth you have a quick read through the wiki on profiles.

[faza]

Ric_ i have redirected the desktop and the Start Menu to a specific location. I think it is just the work that is being copied down to the local machine everytime a user logs in. Can this be stopped using offline files. Would i disable this is the group policy or on the local machine?

[Ric_]

@faza: use a GPO to disable offline files.

[faza]

I have tried this under the Group Policy

\Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Network\Offline Files\Allow or Disallow use of the Offline Files feature and set it to "Disabled" but still copying the work across to the local machine.

[Geoff]

empty the offline files cache on the affected machine.

[faza]

I have done that but it is still copying the work across to the local machine. This is a roaming profile will this GPO still work?

[Geoff]

Are you forcing offline files on the server share?

[Irazmus]

i have redirected the desktop and the Start Menu to a specific location.

Try redirecting My Documents aswell. If my understanding of profiles is right, anything that's not redirected or excluded via GPO will be copied locally.

[faza]

The home directories of the users are not shared.

[faza]

I have tried removing the option from the user folders. I cant think what else i could try As it takes some time for all users to logon (up to 10 muinutes) as it is copying all the work down to the local machine then it has an effect on other users as it slows down the rest as it is still copying.