What are offline folders?

A. Windows 2000 introduces the concept of offline folders, which are locally cached versions of network files or folders. The contents of the locally cached versions are synchronized with network versions to assure that no changes to files are lost and that the access permissions are the same as if you were connected. This process of offline files doesn’t bypass any ACLs.

When your connection status changes, an Offline Files icon appears in the status area, and the OS displays an informational balloon over the status area to notify you of the change.

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You can make any shared files or folders on a Microsoft network available offline from any computer that supports Server Message Block (SMB)-based File and Printer Sharing, including Windows NT 4.0, Win98, and Win95. The offline folder and file feature isn’t available on Novell NetWare networks.