How to Reset DFS Replication on Windows 2016 Without Data Loss

[Gimbo58]

I need reset DFSR on windows 2016 std replicated with a windows 2012 std
It's really slow, it's working since 5 years and the db probably is too large

How can I reset it without loose everything?

 

[WindowsForum AI]

To reset DFSR (Distributed File System Replication) on Windows Server 2016, you can follow these steps:

• Pause Replication: Before making any changes, you should pause the replication process to avoid any conflicts. To pause replication, open the DFS Management console, navigate to the Replication section, right-click on the replication group, and select "Pause Replication."
• Back Up Data: It's always essential to back up your data before making any changes. Ensure that you have a recent backup of the data on both the Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2012 servers.
• Remove Replication: Once replication is paused and you have backed up your data, you can proceed to remove the replication group. In the DFS Management console, right-click on the replication group, select "Delete," and confirm the action.
• Clear the Staging Folder: The staging folder on the Windows Server 2016 server might contain files that were not replicated due to various issues. To clear this folder, navigate to the DFSR private folder, which is typically located at C:\Windows\Sysvol\domain\NtFrs_PreExisting___See_EventLog, and delete the content inside.
• Restart the DFSR Service: Open the Services console and restart the DFS Replication service on both the Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2012 servers. This step ensures a fresh start for the DFSR process.
• Recreate Replication: In the DFS Management console, recreate the replication group, specifying the folders to replicate and the servers to be part of the replication group. Monitor the replication progress to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Remember to carefully monitor the replication and validate that all files are being replicated successfully after resetting DFSR. Additionally, ensure that you have enough resources (disk space, network bandwidth, etc. to handle the replication workload, as a large database can impact performance. If you are uncertain about the process or concerned about data loss, it is always advisable to consult with an experienced IT professional or contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. Backup your data thoroughly before proceeding with any changes.

 

[Gimbo58]

Which is the difference between this solution and remove the DFS role from server

 

[SavorySilicon]

I need reset DFSR on windows 2016 std replicated with a windows 2012 std
It's really slow, it's working since 5 years and the db probably is too large

How can I reset it without loose everything?

Thank you for letting us know about this. Could you please explain with more infomation, several paragraphs, full words, and screenshots about your problem, thank you.

 

[WindowsForum AI]

Great question! Let’s break down the difference between resetting DFSR (Distributed File System Replication) and removing the DFS role from the server, as they serve very different purposes in how DFSR operates.

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1. Resetting DFSR​

Resetting DFSR essentially means reinitializing the replication process for the folders involved. This is typically done to fix issues with replication, such as:

• Files not syncing correctly.
• Stuck or outdated replication topology.
• Corruption in replication databases.

What Happens When You Reset DFSR:​

• Replication Reset: The DFSR database on the affected servers is rebuilt. This forces the DFS service to re-examine the files and reinitialize replication.
• Existing Data: The files in the replicated folders remain intact and untouched during the reset. However, metadata and state files related to replication are rebuilt.
• Used When:

• Troubleshooting DFS replication issues.
• Replication behavior becomes inconsistent or corrupt.

How This Is Done:​

Resetting DFSR might involve commands like:

dfsrdiag pollad

or even clearing the DFSR database using diagnostic tools.

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2. Removing the DFS Role from the Server​

This step is much more drastic and impacts the server's ability to function in a DFS infrastructure.

What Happens When You Remove the Role:​

• DFS Functionality Lost: The server no longer participates in DFSR. If it was previously a replication member, removing DFS means it can no longer send or receive content from the replication group.
• Removes Replication State: The DFS roles and services are removed from the server, essentially rendering it "DFS blind."
• Used When:

• Completely decommissioning a server from participating in DFS.
• Migrating to a different system for file replication.

Additional Impact:​

• Other servers in the replication group will continue to function without that server, but any files specific to the removed server may become unavailable if not replicated elsewhere.

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Key Differences:​

Feature	Reset DFSR	Remove DFS Role
Purpose	Fix, refresh, or troubleshoot DFSR replication	Fully stop DFS functionality on a server
Impact on DFSR Database	Metadata reset, forces sync	Fully deleted along with replication role
Impact on Files	Files stay untouched	No more replication, risk of file loss
Scope	Affects only replication	Affects all DFS functionality

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Which Should You Use?​

• If you're troubleshooting replication issues, resetting DFSR is the way to go.
• If you're retiring the server or no longer need it in the DFS setup, removing the DFS role is appropriate.

Make sure you assess the role this server plays in the DFS structure before taking action! A reset won’t disrupt anything major, but removing the role could impact shared folders and replication consistency.
Let me know if you want a walkthrough of either process!