SFU: Showmount May Display Invalid List of NFS Exports

• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Services for UNIX Add-On Pack

SYMPTOMS

When a directory that has been shared as an NFS mount from a Windows NT Services for Unix NFS server is moved (copied to another location on the server), it appears to be automatically unshared, because NFS clients can no longer mount the share. However, it is not unshared automatically. NFS clients can no longer mount the share but, until the server is rebooted, the share will continue to be displayed as an available NFS mount when a client views the exports list of the server.

Also, because the directory is not actually unshared, if it is moved back to its original location, it again becomes available for clients to mount.

CAUSE

The exports list for the NFS server service is not updated when the directory is moved because the directory does not actually get unshared.

NOTE: Sharing attributes on the directory are not actually removed. If the directory is returned to its original location, it again becomes accessible provided that the server was not restarted. If the server was restarted, returning the directory to its original location and restarting the server will again make the directory mountable.

RESOLUTION

Directories shared through NFS should not to be moved because of the parent/child sharing limitation within NFS.

Unshare the directory before moving it, and then reshare it if you want.

REFERENCES

For more information, see Managing NFS and NIS, by Hal Stern, Copyright 1991 O'Reilly and Associates.

Additional query words: SFU Services for Unix

Keywords :
Version : winnt:4.0; :
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbprb