Vista - Can't access offline files when online but server not available

When I have a valid network connection, but the server with the network
folder I have setup for offline use is not available, I cannot get access to
my offline files. Whenever I try to access the folder, I get a "format of
network name is invalid" error. When server comes on-line I can access my
network folder and sync it without problem. If the server is not available,
the only way I can get to my offline files is to disable all my network
connections. That means shutting down my access to every other network
resource including the Internet which is a royally big pain in the rear.
When I do this the auto-offline kicks in fine...

I tried researching how to manually go offline, but everything says "open
the folder and click Work Offline". I can't open the folder to do this
because I get the error. Never a chance to see any "Work Offline" button.

Am I missing something or is this a Vista blunder? Is there a way to special
summon the work offline button in some unconventional way?