1.1 Folder Redirection and DNS Names

Micro Focus File Dynamics 6.5 exclusively uses DNS Fully Distinguished Names (FDNs) for server names in all UNC paths set in and by File Dynamics.

However, there are known bugs related to Folder Redirection when the DNS name for a server is used in a user’s home folder path (or any other path specified for folder redirection). These Windows bugs, which can result in loss of data in the redirected folders or the entire redirected folder, are described in the following Microsoft KB articles:

These KB articles specifically apply to users logging on through Windows Vista or Windows 7 computers, as well as users logging on interactively on Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2. Users on other operating systems might be affected as well, however.

Both of the KB articles above include links to hotfixes that help resolve these issues.

While this is not a File Dynamics issue per se, File Dynamics’ exclusive use of DNS FDNs in UNC paths can exacerbate this problem, or introduce it into an environment that was previously exclusively using NetBIOS naming for servers and using folder redirection.

IMPORTANT:If your environment uses folder redirection, we strongly recommend reading the KB articles above and applying any relevant hotfixes before managing storage with File Dynamics. (In fact, we strongly recommend applying these hotfixes if you use folder redirection in your AD environment with the affected operating systems, even if you are not managing user storage with File Dynamics. Microsoft’s continuing push to move away from NetBIOS and WINS may eventually introduce this issue into your environment with or without File Dynamics installed.)