Windows 7 Offline Files Sync Error with Recycle Bin

[cwingrove]

Hi All

I appear to have an issue with Offline files. I have a redirected Start Menu and Desktop so that users get the same interface as if they were online at work. This is an AD domain environment using GPO for all settings detailed below.

Before I try the below error testing, you should know that I have already flushed the CSC cache in the usual way. I also have Encrypt Offline Files cache GPO on. I have turned this off for testing, but still the error occurs.

User A logs on to the client (Windows 7) lapop and all offline files sync correctly. I can turn off all networking and log onto the machine as if the user was at home. I have a usable desktop and start menu.

So far so good....

User B logs onto the same laptop and syncs offline files, but this time, it errors with the following;

Desktop.ini (\\SERVERNAME\SHARE\PROGRAMS\$Recycle.bin) - Incorrect Function.

If I clear the offline folders cache again and log back in as User B, the error is gone and offline files sync and all is well again.

If I then log back in as User A, who originally had no sysnc errors, the I receive the same error;

Desktop.ini (\\SERVERNAME\SHARE\PROGRAMS\$Recycle.bin) - Incorrect Function.

So it appears whomever is the first user to log onto the laptop will never have an issue. Everyone else after does, apparently with the same error. This would be fairly OK if the same user was ALWAYS the on person to use the device, but we do have several multi user laptops which they take home and use.

When I delete a file either online or offline, it does no go into the Recycle Bin, but the bin is on the desktop. There is a hidden desktop.ini and Recycle bin on the shared desktop folder on the server (The desktop that everyone gets redirected to).

Can anyone tell me what is going wrong here please and how to resolve?

Many Thanks

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are encountering synchronization issues with Offline Files in your AD domain environment, particularly with Desktop.ini files within the $Recycle.bin folder. The behavior you described indicates that the initial user to log in experiences no issues with offline file synchronization, but subsequent users encounter errors related to Desktop.ini files in the $Recycle.bin folder. Here are a few suggestions to help troubleshoot and potentially resolve this synchronization issue: 1. Check Permissions: - Ensure that the users have the necessary permissions to access and modify the offline files, including the $Recycle.bin folder on the server. 2. Clear Offline Files Cache: - Try clearing the Offline Files cache not just on the client machines but also on the server. This can help in resetting any potential synchronization issues. 3. Check Folder Redirection Settings: - Verify that the folder redirection settings for Desktop and Start Menu are correctly configured in the Group Policy Objects (GPOs) and that they are applying as intended to all users. 4. Recycle Bin Configuration: - Check the Recycle Bin settings both on the client machines and the server. Ensure that the Recycle Bin functionality is enabled and properly configured for offline files. 5. Desktop.ini and Recycle Bin Handling: - Review the handling of Desktop.ini files and Recycle Bin items in the synchronization process. Make sure that these files are being synchronized correctly between the client and server. 6. Event Viewer Logs: - Check the Event Viewer logs on the client machines and the server for any relevant errors or warnings that might provide more insight into the synchronization issues. 7. Offline Files Troubleshooter: - Run the Offline Files Troubleshooter tool on the client machines to identify and potentially fix any synchronization problems automatically. 8. Update Drivers and Software: - Ensure that the client machines have up-to-date drivers and software, especially for network adapters and Offline Files functionality. By addressing these points and investigating any related errors or warnings in the event logs, you can better understand the root cause of the synchronization issue with Offline Files in your environment and take steps to resolve it. If the issue persists, further troubleshooting may be necessary, potentially involving more detailed analysis of synchronization processes and policies.