Vista - Offline Files cannot be enabled.

I am running Vista Ultimate SP1 on my laptop. The Z: drive maps to an Iomega StorCenter NAS. I can read/write folders, files, etc. with no problem.

When I disconnect from the network, I can still see the Z: drive. The folders that I made available offline are accessible and there are placeholders (folder has an X on it) for folders that I did not make available offline.

When I connect back to the network, I would do a reboot and I can see all of the files on the Z: drive again.

Given this, it appears that Offline Files is enable. Or, is it?

In the Control Panel / Offline Files / General tab, I clicked on "Enable Offline Files" and I got the message below.

Offline Files cannot be enabled.

The specified service does not exist as an installed service.

What's going on here? Can someone help?

I am not sure if it is relevant or not but I also have a ComStar drive which uses the NDAS Software from Ximeta which is physically connected to the DLink wireless router just like the Iomega StorCenter. There are four computers that connect to the router (one PC with Vista ultimate--physical connection; one laptop with Vista Ultimate--wireless; one PC with Vista Business--wireless; and one PC with Win XP).

I looked at TechNet and all over the place and I could not seem to find an answer.

Hi xqszmoi,

Go to control panel- administrative tools- services and see if Offline files is disabled. double click on it to change it to enabled.

Offline Files is not even on the list.

What do I need to do to get it added?

Hmm, that's weird. Did you ever have offline files working before? Have you tried running system file checker?
System Files - SFC Command
What about a system restore?
You could also try repairing your comp using your installation disk.

Yes, it is weird. I strongly believe that I had it running before because I use to see it in the Sync Center about 6-8 weeks ago. Unfortunately, I don't even know (or did not even notice) when it stopped. I started becoming suspicious about a week ago.

I ran sfc /verifyonly and it did not find any integrity violations.

What would be the next logical step?

You can run checkdisk, see if it does anything. And try repairing your comp using your installation disk.
Check Disk - chkdsk
Startup Repair

Aaron, I really appreciate your prompt responses. Thank you.

I tried the chkdsk ... no problem.

I am a bit hesitant on running the Startup Repair because everything else is fine on my computer. Is there something Offline Files- or Sync Center-specific that I can try as a last resort before I proceed with the Startup Repair?

Yeah, I know what you mean. The startup repair isn't supposed to get rid of your files and stuff but as I really do not know why you wouldn't even have offline files listed in your services and can not enable it in the control panel then my only thought would be that it has been erased or corrupted. Maybe wait for some others to post, they might have a solution as there are many knowledgeable people here. Sorry I can't help more.

Can some please answer my question above?