Offline folder files allow users to store network information on their computer when not connected to the network, making it possible to work independently. Windows XP and 2000 automate the process of adding, editing, and deleting files once the network connection is re-established. To configure, go to My Computer, click on “Folder Options,” and enable offline files. Microsoft Outlook also offers this feature for Exchange server email accounts.
An offline folder file is simply a place to store information that is usually found on a network when a user’s computer is not connected to the network. This gives you the benefit of being able to work independently of the network, while still having a convenient way to edit files on that network once connectivity is restored.
The offline folder file system offered in Windows XP and Windows 2000 is unique from the briefcase offered in previous versions of Windows operating systems because it automates the process of adding, editing and deleting files once the network connection is re-established. In the past, downloading and uploading files before and after going offline was a manual process. If the user forgets to run the task, it simply won’t run.
To configure the offline folder file system in Windows XP, go to My Computer and then click on “Folder Options” in the “Tools” menu. Find the “Offline Files” tab and click “Enable Offline Files”. There are also a number of other options available to the user, based on personal preference, including the option to sync when logging in or out of the network, or during both events.
Note that Windows will not allow creating an offline folder file unless fast switching between users is disabled. To disable this feature, go to the control panel and find “User Accounts”. Then select “Change the way users log in or out”.
To make a file folder available offline, find the desired folder on your network drive and make sure it’s a shared folder. Open it, then in the “File” menu select the “Make available offline” option. This will finish creating the Offline Files folder and allow access once you are disconnected from the network, as long as the option was selected to sync when you disconnected.
Microsoft Outlook also offers an offline folder file feature for its users using a Microsoft Exchange server email account. Most home users have a POP3 account set up through their Internet Service Provider and therefore will not be able to access this feature. However, for those who have an exchange server email account, this provides a convenient way to manage email offline.
In short, an offline folder file makes working with a network more convenient by allowing the user access to network files regardless of the situation. While dial-up network connections are becoming more common, there may still be times when they are unavailable for a variety of reasons. An offline folder file ensures that your work doesn’t stop, even when the network does.
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