Files lost when saving to the network from a Windows 7 PC/laptop

[MichaelBussiere2]

Recently we had a user pose the inquiry regarding lost files from users when trying to save files to the network from the windows 7 computers.  They would look and act like they were being saved to the mapped drive from the network but when they returned the next morning the work was gone.

<Verified environment and settings were all within specifications and supported>

[MichaelBussiere2 · Accepted solution]

Disclaimer: this may not work for all but has shown success for some on Windows 7

What was found was that by default the Microsoft operating system Windows 7 creates a cache folder through the “Offline Files” functionality through the Sync Center.  By default this feature is turned on and enables a user to work remote and upon returning back to the office sync back up with the server/network environment from this cache folder.  More on this feature can be found in the link below. 

Microsoft Offline Files: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Understanding-offline-files

Additionally I have created a screen shot of this center in the link below.

Offline Files Screen Shot:  http://screencast.com/t/Mh2aJRoW

Solution: navigate to the Sync Center, and then select the “manage offline files” option.  From here you will turn off this tool by selecting the button for “Disable offline Files” 

I want to personally thank Stephen Durman from The idGroup for finding this possible solution that he has tested and utilized within his environment and found successful to date.  Thank you Stephen for sharing this tip with us in the forum community and support.