Cannot Synchronize Files with Briefcase After Moving

• Microsoft Windows 95
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you move a Briefcase to another computer on the network, the Briefcase may not be able to update files that require updating. When this occurs, you may receive an error message stating that the synchronization copy is unavailable, even though the file is actually available on the network.

CAUSE

When you drag a file into the Briefcase, information such as the Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path, volume label, and path are stored in the database. This information is refreshed in the database whenever the Briefcase is opened.

If a file is not accessible with a UNC path name at the time that it is dropped into the Briefcase, UNC information is not stored for that file. If you later share a folder above the original file, the new UNC information is not propagated to the Briefcase database until you open the Briefcase.

If you move the Briefcase to another computer before the UNC path is refreshed in the database, no UNC path is carried to the new computer.

RESOLUTION

Make sure to open the Briefcase at least once after the file is made available with a UNC path before moving the Briefcase to another computer.