Vista - Offline Folders - on reconnect to network, mapped drive isn't available

The setup:

• Laptop: Vista Business (32 Bit)
• File Server: Windows 2003 Server
• Mapped network drive to Z:/ using 'Connect using a different username'
• Selected subfolder Z:/Partners/ to be 'Always Available offline'

The problem:

• Disconnected from network
• Offline folders work fine
• Reconnect to network
• Can't connect to any other subfolders on Z:/ (Shows as if I'm working offline)
• Problem reoccures after restart or disconnection/reconnection to network

The question:

1. How do you force Offline folders to connect to a network share? If I hit sync it tells me I'm not connected.
2. Is there a way to connect to the network drive without viewing your cached files. (eg. typing z:/ goes to cached offline files and typing //computername also goes to cached offline files). Basically, is there a way to bypass cached files.

Cheers,

Dan

Hi,

I am experiencing the same problem and found an old post Problem reconnecting offline files when mapped as a drive that complains about it, too. I can usually correct the problem by navigating to the equivalent UNC path in Explorer, upon which Vista will realize that it is actually connected. I am only doing this once a day, so it is bearable. Alternatively, I found that when I use the "Work offline" button before disconnecting and the "Work online" butten after reconnecting, things are quite smooth. However in order to get that button I have to open an Explorer window and go to the mapped drive location. I think MS should give the Sync Center tray icon a "Work Offline" option.

Cheers

Gregor