Windows 2000 Quick Fixes

Make files available when offline

Windows 95 introduced a feature called the Briefcase that provided the ability to synchronize a working copy of a file in the Briefcase with a copy on another computer such as a network server or the user’s desktop system. Windows 2000 expands on and simplifies the concept with the introduction of offline files. You can use offline files to work with shared network resources when you’re not connected to the network. For example, you might make a set of documents available offline while you’re out of town on a business trip, allowing you to continue working on the documents while you’re away. When you get back you synchronize the files with the server.

A deeper understanding of offline files

In essence, offline files work by copying the desired files from the network server to a hidden folder on your local system. Although Windows 2000 knows the files are not stored on the server, it continues to treat them that way as far as the user is concerned. You still browse for the files as you would when connected to the network (getting to them through My Network Places, for example). When the network server becomes available again, Windows 2000 synchronizes the files with the network copy, either automatically or manually through user direction depending on how you have offline folders configured).

Folders and files you share on your Windows 2000 computer also can be used offline by others on the network unless you specifically disable offline use through ...