We have some file shares located on a windows 2003 x64 server. These shares are mapped by XP Sp3 machines in the enterprise. When we create, move or delete files in the actual share, we do not see the changes reflected in map drive on XP until we press F5. If we use some 3rd party file explorer utility on the XP machines, they show the content automatically.On the other hand, the same shares mapped to a vista, win7 workstation auto refresh themselves.We have looked into several articles which point towards updating shell32.dll on client and server but that hasn't helped.I am sure Auto-refresh phenomena can be governed by some registry key but not able to find one.We've referenced KBs :816375, 823291.Looking forward to any suggestions from experts.

Hi, Im afraid we cannot configure the synchronization behavior, newer system support background refresh. You may try the following workaround. Synchronize offline folders with GPO every 5 minutes or so http://social.technet.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/winserverGP/thread/a3ba56de-572f-4bc3-bd3a-695187f97a2b For your information: File Sharing and Offline Files Enhancements http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd637828(WS.10).aspx Thanks. This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

Hi Mervyn,As it turns out, the server holding the share was windows server 2003 Storage edition with polyserve installed. The shares not refreshing automatically were polyserve shares and they do not send SMB NT Notify packets to the client whenever there's an update (Create/move/delete)on the share. Apparently, polyserve share behave the same way like some other SAMBA servers. We nailed it down using wireshark captures from a Windows share <-> Windows client mapping as comapred to Polyserve share <-> windows client mapping.But your post might well explains whyauto-refresh works in mapped drivesof windows 7 from the same polyserve shares.Thanks for your post.