Offline Files Cache Problems

Been having a few problems with offline files syncing with the server lately. Here is a way to clear and re-initialize the offline files database.

Also found out that it is common for AV products to scan the "C:\Windows\CSC" folder where the Offline files database is stored. This is bad and can corrupt the database so it should be put into the exclusion list of your AV software.


Link to MS KB230738

Method 1

The Offline Files cache is a folder structure located in the %SystemRoot%\CSC folder, which is hidden by default. The CSC folder, and any files and subfolders it contains, should not be modified directly; doing so can result in data loss and a complete breakdown of Offline Files functionality.

If you suspect corruption in the database, then the files should be deleted using the Offline Files viewer. After the files are deleted out of the Offline Files viewer, a synchronization of files may then be forced using Synchronization Manager. If the cache still does not appear to function correctly, an Offline Files reset can be performed using the following procedure:

1. In Folder Options, on the Offline Files tab, press CTRL+SHIFT, and then click Delete Files. The following message appears:
The Offline Files cache on the local computer will be re-initialized. Any changes that have not been synchronized with computers on the network will be lost. Any files or folders made available offline will no longer be available offline. A computer restart is required.

Do you wish to re-initialize the cache?
2. Click Yes two times to restart the computer.

Method 2

Use Registry Editor
If you cannot access the Offline Files tab, use this method to reinitialize the Offline Files (CSC) cache on the system by modifying the registry. Use this method also to reinitialize the offline files database/client-side cache on multiple systems. Add the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\NetCache
Key Name: FormatDatabase
Key Type: DWORD
Key Value: 1
Note The actual value of the registry key is ignored. This registry change requires a restart. When the computer is restarting, the shell will reinitialize the CSC cache, and then delete the registry key if the registry entry exists.

Warning All cache files are deleted and unsynchronized data is lost.
Use Reg.exe
You can also automate the process of setting this registry value by using the Reg.exe command line editor. To do this, type the following command in the Reg.exe window:
REG.EXE. REG ADD "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\NetCache" /v FormatDatabase /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
Note For specific steps to re-initialize the offline files cache and database in Windows Vista, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
942974 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942974/ ) On a Windows Vista-based client computer, you can still access offline files even though the file server is removed from the network

SBS 2003 Migration to SBS 2008

http://blog.mpecsinc.ca/2009/06/sbs-2003-to-sbs-2008-migration-guide.html

Control Panel RUNAS Commands

runas /user:computername\Administrator "rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL sysdm.cpl"

Control Panel Applet	Filename
Accessibility	access.cpl
Add New Hardware	hdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs	appwiz.cpl
Date/Time Properties	timedate.cpl
Display Properties	desk.cpl
FindFast	findfast.cpl
Internet Properties	inetcpl.cpl
Joystick Properties	joy.cpl
Keyboard Properties	main.cpl
Local Users management	nusrmgr.cpl
Microsoft Exchange	mlcfg32.cpl
Microsoft Mail Post Office	wgpocpl.cpl
Modem Properties	modem.cplNote: In Windows NT 4.0, W2K, XP and Windows 2003 - Modem properties is telephon.cpl
Mouse Properties	main.cpl
Multimedia Properties	mmsys.cpl
Network Properties	netcpl.cplNote: In Windows NT 4.0, W2K, XP and Windows 2003 - Network properties is Ncpa.cpl
Password Properties	password.cpl
Power Options	powercfg.cpl
Regional Settings	intl.cpl
Sound Properties	mmsys.cpl
System Properties	sysdm.cpl

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