Windows 7 Windows Sync Center and VPN

[catsfive]

Hi, Geniuses,

I access my corporate network (which I don't control) over Cisco's VPN. I want to use Sync Center to make sure that the project files on a certain network directory are always sync'd up live (otherwise, it's too hard to leech the whole thing, and I'd have to get ALL files, no matter what, regardless of whether they're new or have changed). locally, offline. So I followed the instructions, right-clicked on the network folder I want to synchronize, and presto, it SEEMS to be working (though, I'm not sure yet).

I did it OK, and I believe it's working, but NOW, I can *ONLY* get access to the directory that I am sync'ing offline. I cannot access any OTHER directories outside of the one that I am sync'ing. Any ideas? They are all grayed-out with an X through them.

Halp!

C5

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are encountering an issue with Sync Center where you can only access the directory that you are synchronizing offline, and all other directories are grayed out with an X through them. This could be due to how Sync Center behaves when syncing network files. When you synchronize a network folder for offline use using Sync Center, it's common for Sync Center to limit access to other folders outside of the synchronized folder for offline use. This behavior is to ensure that only the necessary files are downloaded and stored locally to conserve resources and ensure synchronization integrity. Here are a few things you can consider to address this issue:

Check Sync Center Settings:​

1. Sync Settings: Verify the settings in Sync Center to ensure that it's configured to synchronize only the necessary folder and not restricting access to other directories unintentionally.
2. Conflicting Syncs: Check if there are any conflicting synchronization settings that might be causing the issue. Ensure that only the intended folder is set for offline access.

   Reconsider Syncing Method:​

3. Selective Syncing: If accessing other directories offline is crucial, you might consider selectively syncing specific files or folders instead of an entire directory. This way, you can manage what gets synchronized.

   Additional Considerations:​

4. Network Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to access the other directories on the network. Sync Center behavior can be influenced by network permissions as well. It's essential to balance the need for offline access with the limitations set by the synchronization settings. Adjusting the Sync Center settings and considering alternative synchronization methods can help you address this issue. If you continue to experience difficulties, consulting with your corporate IT support or network administrator could provide further insights tailored to your specific network setup.