Getting Started

Following is an overview of how to get started with Dfs.

Administrator Perspective

Dfsgui.msc is the administrative console for Dfs in Windows 2000. With it you can create the Dfs root and build a Dfs topology. Remember the following sizing limitations when you implement Dfs:

• The maximum number of characters per file path is 260.

• The maximum number of replica members in a domain-based set is 256.

• The maximum number of Dfs roots per server is 1.

• The maximum number of Dfs roots per domain is unlimited.

• The maximum number of Dfs links or shared folders in a Dfs root is 1,000.

The general steps for creating the Dfs topology are listed here. For more information about specific procedures, see Windows 2000 Server Help.

1. Create a Dfs root.
   Dfs roots must be created on partitions generated with the version of NTFS used in Windows 2000 for security and content reasons. New roots must be domain-based to allow file replication.

2. Add Dfs links.
   You can add a Dfs link under the Dfs root to reference any root or link in the Dfs tree. If the referenced resource is not a computer that is running Windows 2000, the link can reference only shared folders.

   Note

   Linking from one Dfs link to another Dfs link is possible only if the second link is in a separate Dfs namespace. For example, you cannot have \\ Server \ Dfs_root \Dfs_link1\Dfs_link2 unless Dfs_link2 lies under another Dfs root.

3. Specify replicas for a Dfs root or link.
   Each Dfs root and shared folder can be replicated to back up its contents. Dfs-aware clients automatically select the nearest replica on the basis of the site topology information.

4. Manage replication for Dfs.
   You can remove replicas, take replicas offline or online, and enable or disable replication.

Administering a stand-alone Dfs root requires Admin privileges. Domain-based Dfs root administration requires Domain Admin privileges.

Client Perspective

Users browse through and connect to Dfs shared folders in the same way they normally connect to SMB shares. For access to a shared folder in the Dfs tree, Dfs-aware clients can issue any of the traditional methods to gain access to network resources by using Windows Explorer, File Manager, and the command line. Table 17.4 contains examples of each.

Table   17.4 Gaining Access to a Shared Folder

1 Supported by Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 clients only.

2 Supported by Windows 2000 clients only.