In downsizing our network I had set-up an XP-Pro machine as a file store with 2 Win7 Pro Laptops syncing files; this worked fine for many years.

Fast-Forward - XP-Pro machine replaced with Win8.1 Pro machine and need to set-up the file syncing (2qty Win7 Pro Laptops) using the Win8.1 Pro machine as the master store; seems I'm to use Cloud; but, prefer not to.  Of course, XP-Pro required 'shared files' to be located in 'All Users' account; cannot find account similar to All Users in Win8.1; Public Account seems no accessible.

Also, would prefer to avoid using the Documents folder of a live user account of Win 8.1 Pro as the master file store - Had considered creating a bogus user account with fixed password al-la update centre.

Not very familiar with Win8.1 (or Win8 for that matter) - Any advice on best way to achieve goal greatly appreciated.

Many thanX

C

• Edited by Webtrash Wednesday, February 11, 2015 10:36 PM

Hi Webtrash,

I am supposing you mean the All user folder under C:\User, it is a hidden folder in windows 8.1 and windows 7.

To show hidden folder in windows 8.1

Control Panel > Folder Options->view-> and choose show hidden files and folders.

In addition to above, for offline file sharing and synchronization, we have sync center in windows 7 and 8.1 you might have a look.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/working-with-network-files-offline#1TC=windows-7

Regards

D. Wu

• Proposed as answer by Michael ShaoMicrosoft contingent staff, Moderator Thursday, February 19, 2015 3:49 AM
• Marked as answer by Michael ShaoMicrosoft contingent staff, Moderator Friday, February 20, 2015 4:51 AM

Not sure if I should start a new thread or continue here..?  Matter concerns same machine and is continuation of original subject.

OK, so, offline files is working and auto syncs whenever both machines 'meet'; quite straight forward actually to set-up.

Problem is; using the Windows7 Laptop, whilst I can open, read and edit a file from the offline files folder on the Windows7 Laptop using the Windows7 Laptop's applications; I am not able to save the file (changes) to the same location; I.E. offline files folder on Windows7 Laptop.  When I try to save I see the on-screen message:

\\Windows8.1Machine\public\shareddocs\filename

You don't have permission to save in this location.

Contact the administrator to obtain permission.

I tried to check properties assigned to: \\Windows7 Laptop\Windows\CSC - Under the security tab I found that:

- no security settings (permissions) are displayed;

- instead, I see "To continue, you must be an administrative user with permission to view this object's security properties.  Do you want to continue..?

- when I click the 'Continue' button I see the Windows\CSC folder, 'Current Owner' shows "Unable to display current owner;

- under 'Change owner to' I can see 2 options: the Administrators Group(Windows7 Laptop) and Myself(Windows7 Laptop);

- No other options available under 'Change owner to'.

I have not changed owner of the folder \\Windows7 Laptop\Windows\CSC.  I had wondered if I were to change owner would this bring about problems in syncing with the Windows8.1 machine..?  If I were to change owner, I would not know 'who' to change back to (although, guess I could run system restore).

Separately; I had set-up an offline files folder on the Windows7 Laptop under C:\Users\Public\Shareddocs - This folder syncs at the same time as the 'built-in' offline files folder; I.E. \\Windows7 Laptop\Windows\CSC.

I checked the Folder Security Properties on the shareddocs folders of, both, the Windows8.1 Machine, and the Windows7 Laptop and have found the security properties to be identical with respect to the individual machines (path = ..public\shareddocs on both machines).  This may be a 'red herring' as the sync path may be to the Windows\CSC folder of the Windows7 Laptop..?  ...and, of course, I cannot see the security properties.

Meanwhile I find, from the console at the Windows8.1 machine; I can list, open, read, edit, write, etc any document stored on the Windows7 laptop; including files/documents stored elsewhere than the offline files folder (\\Windows7 Laptop\Windows\CSC..?

Any assistance in resolving the file save problem gratefully received.

 C