Vista - RE: DFS Replication

Hello Bob,

Thank you for posting here.

Based on your concern about DFS Replication service, I'd like to share my
knowledge with you.

Analysis:
==========

1. DFS Replication service replicates files among multiple PCs keeping them
in sync. On Client, it is used to roam folders between PCs(peer-to-peer);
on server, it is used to provide high availability and local access across
a wide area network (WAN). If the service is stopped, file replication
does not occur, and the files on the server become out-of-date. If the
service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will not
start, such as RPC and COM+ Event system.

2. In Windows Vista this service kicks in when you use the "People Near Me"
networking feature of Windows Vista and its role, in that environment,
please ensure that all the users participating in a particular "People Near
Me" network, see at all times the exact same files and folders that are
being shared.

3. There is no DFS Replication management console on Windows Vista and it
only can be installed on Server side. Since the Windows Vista version of
the DFS Replication service differs from the Windows Server 2003 R2 version
of the DFS Replication service. A Windows Vista-based client computer does
not participate in the replication process if you add the client computer
to a DFS Replication service group by using the DFS Management snap-in on a
Windows Server 2003 R2-based computer.

4. You may use DFSR to roam and view share folders between two Vista
machine. There is no need for them to join the domain.
5. The default startup mode of DFS Replication service on Windows Vista is
Manual. Windows will automatically start this service when it need.

Reference:
==========

A Windows Vista-based client computer does not participate in the
replication process if you add the client computer to a DFS Replication
service group by using the DFS Management snap-in on a Windows Server 2003
R2-based computer

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/930516


I hope all the information will help. I'm looking forward to your reply.

Thanks for your time.

David Shen
Microsoft Online Partner Support
Microsoft Global Technology Support Center